tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63721721865062595772024-03-25T00:10:13.736-06:00The Shumway FamilyDave Shumwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02934379291960393833noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372172186506259577.post-18648396190358677032014-02-15T14:38:00.001-07:002014-02-15T14:38:38.577-07:00My Sweet Luke<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">You are going to be 5 years old in 3 days.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>5 years.</b></span></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">That's how long I have been blessed to be
your mommy. 5 years that I have gotten to hear your sweet laughter and see your
precious smile. 5 years to watch you grow from a helpless baby to a boy who
wants to be able to do everything on his own. When you were a baby I wanted to
hold your hand every chance that I got. Now you reach for me and grab my hand.
I don't get to cuddle with you at night anymore with your head cradled in my
arm while I hold your sweet little fingers. But I do get to see you so big and brave
and proud in your own bed with your striped pillow and bright night light -
just how you like it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiTT5vBV18-dGQpeF1EaO_itLNaAWzn9h4VNSHM9f2pqGEjoo0WP3uyA6X94vCOKgGyU3CkQjm004D-Hd6Dc8pTbtFlOK7dZWTx34Uc8bRaXai1YNRP_EDtEyNefkBW4E_uXWxM36E7k/s1600/IMG_1077.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgiTT5vBV18-dGQpeF1EaO_itLNaAWzn9h4VNSHM9f2pqGEjoo0WP3uyA6X94vCOKgGyU3CkQjm004D-Hd6Dc8pTbtFlOK7dZWTx34Uc8bRaXai1YNRP_EDtEyNefkBW4E_uXWxM36E7k/s1600/IMG_1077.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">I don't get to cuddle with you at night,
but I do get to spend a few precious minutes of mommy and Luke time while we
talk about the day and what's on your mind. I get to read you stories and sing
you songs (you prefer Christmas ones all year round) and watch as your face
slowly relaxes into sleep knowing that you are loved and cared for so deeply.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMM5QIj2VRkOWTxh5UPPB9N36bT3ihe8Y4BSFE1EbO-yz7RfIIY8zXSvyZkhlGiSCgVAl933yOhfpL1VEBJfo-AlSeudBJbR8H2otVcoP90Uji_94Za2Bo2qIOxBAnTI3QaPG4fIitieY/s1600/IMG_0911.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMM5QIj2VRkOWTxh5UPPB9N36bT3ihe8Y4BSFE1EbO-yz7RfIIY8zXSvyZkhlGiSCgVAl933yOhfpL1VEBJfo-AlSeudBJbR8H2otVcoP90Uji_94Za2Bo2qIOxBAnTI3QaPG4fIitieY/s1600/IMG_0911.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">5 years that I have been able to see you
experience such great joy as you learn a new trick for the first time and such
deep sorrow as you want to play the game that the bigger boys are playing but
you can't quite figure it out. I am always reminded that no matter what
happens, as long as we have faith and each other then nothing can really be so
bad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IxKwBj5ZL9dROHtmPBtuVmS2gxocMHebHgWifq5u2vX_hxhfd1-Nah3YntqDsrTuKt_kLDVK07HqY4ACSJloAfGIrW7eaaGauSBQjzyLa18bknj2mZcFlr9kLds7RhRu14XVOQjlIBY/s1600/IMG_1632.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9IxKwBj5ZL9dROHtmPBtuVmS2gxocMHebHgWifq5u2vX_hxhfd1-Nah3YntqDsrTuKt_kLDVK07HqY4ACSJloAfGIrW7eaaGauSBQjzyLa18bknj2mZcFlr9kLds7RhRu14XVOQjlIBY/s1600/IMG_1632.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">5 years that I have gotten to learn over
and over again that my greatest joy comes when I get to hear you laughing or
having you just sit next to me, feeling the touch of your hand or your kiss on
my cheek. I will never tire of the words "I love you mommy". Never.
To watch you learn and grow and go through hard things and scary things. To
succeed and fail. You are perfect to me.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntFTgyE9HxoBqhb1mlyCxV5I13JOz1x71T9Nnj3f-pvTpIJuAEFsAQsOTx02wjpY3sGcAE2STuxuD7qur0M_6SLCar5FD_ZBhRvL7bPms0UFkgNyBijvplx0kKCG-qWVabEtslE-79Rc/s1600/IMG_1713.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjntFTgyE9HxoBqhb1mlyCxV5I13JOz1x71T9Nnj3f-pvTpIJuAEFsAQsOTx02wjpY3sGcAE2STuxuD7qur0M_6SLCar5FD_ZBhRvL7bPms0UFkgNyBijvplx0kKCG-qWVabEtslE-79Rc/s1600/IMG_1713.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">It may seem like I was helping you these
past 5 years, but it is really you who has been helping me. I need you. You are
teaching me how to become the person that I need to be. You help me grow each
day and learn things that I never would have been able to. I have been blessed
in so may ways, but you and daddy and Wesley and sweet sister Emily are my
greatest joys. Nothing else on this earth can ever bring me more happiness than
my family.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-NbtSuBOpgdqqXfnzlDB3PWsMVwnMvYw1Uf4OjybjiVF6bip-HiS2e3u7VnhL83NYEX1LfdmeigWyGSSutRHfHHG-pmsb8TRNZDuJjw5C0DIXgQEKm0MnnOZ8qbCvp5qYkWlG3NASR4/s1600/IMG_2463.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN-NbtSuBOpgdqqXfnzlDB3PWsMVwnMvYw1Uf4OjybjiVF6bip-HiS2e3u7VnhL83NYEX1LfdmeigWyGSSutRHfHHG-pmsb8TRNZDuJjw5C0DIXgQEKm0MnnOZ8qbCvp5qYkWlG3NASR4/s1600/IMG_2463.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">These past 5 years I have had the
privilege and blessing to be your mommy. I love the struggles and the
frustrations that we both feel as we grow because get to figure them out and
only understand each other more because of them. We have a relationship that I
cherish and I wish that all mommy's could be so close to their sons. What a
happy world this would be.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtrEoeyqfWcR07_PigLiE-SBlJCzbng2vwgcTqtG6i4IIEsptoWhKiCZ-gDtcWLgwDK8-ca1_OHmXKNlS7GeByhQbSVI7hgtpVgLcHmB-CmwOjpGtKzk6BVoySNb3bXIuMSN4drLAr2c/s1600/IMG_2496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYtrEoeyqfWcR07_PigLiE-SBlJCzbng2vwgcTqtG6i4IIEsptoWhKiCZ-gDtcWLgwDK8-ca1_OHmXKNlS7GeByhQbSVI7hgtpVgLcHmB-CmwOjpGtKzk6BVoySNb3bXIuMSN4drLAr2c/s1600/IMG_2496.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">You are such a sweet big brother to your
little brother and sister. They look up to you more than you will ever know.
There's a lot of responsibility that comes with being the oldest child and you
are embracing it. You are learning how to pause your play so that you can let
sister play with the toys you were playing with or so you can show Wesley how
to properly jump off the couch. While you are learning so quickly all of these
new skills in your life, you are also understanding that your siblings want to
do everything that you are doing. You are a Superhero and Playmate to Wesley
and a Protector and Security Guard for Emily. They both adore you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2XFyRpDATuEt8GsBiZ00GqgPLwas0BYRMYaDoRbyvMHTMJADOCHUD22Ju1m-nDCos6O9_3akzzuF3h6GNM8nbYqte3-541je5WUguwNO1wBdMKIVxn6oxTWbkzNyJ3sYFmfEfLE8Ag0/s1600/IMG_1774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhE2XFyRpDATuEt8GsBiZ00GqgPLwas0BYRMYaDoRbyvMHTMJADOCHUD22Ju1m-nDCos6O9_3akzzuF3h6GNM8nbYqte3-541je5WUguwNO1wBdMKIVxn6oxTWbkzNyJ3sYFmfEfLE8Ag0/s1600/IMG_1774.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Thank you for letting me be your mommy and
your assistant dragon hunter and your play buddy and your fellow pirate and
your friend.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-tFQlaHIVJlIBLTSJeUMw4YWr7zppkAj1Uec_d6MPC_2UzlAwQy-4l2MuCOMaPzspSynCfzC0MLRPYBeZGkdSiET6WRPhAY06bjfwvaDTT3ucrEr7_Ryz6zU1GR_S_U_PdrXaV4hcNU/s1600/IMG_1702.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD-tFQlaHIVJlIBLTSJeUMw4YWr7zppkAj1Uec_d6MPC_2UzlAwQy-4l2MuCOMaPzspSynCfzC0MLRPYBeZGkdSiET6WRPhAY06bjfwvaDTT3ucrEr7_Ryz6zU1GR_S_U_PdrXaV4hcNU/s1600/IMG_1702.JPG" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
<div align="center" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"> I love you my sweet boy.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Happy Birthday.</span></div>
Brienne Shumwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05589212165897538217noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372172186506259577.post-30063868047988902622014-01-27T22:33:00.001-07:002014-01-27T22:33:56.052-07:00TodayI only blew up twice today.<br />
<br />
I was completely overwhelmed in those moments and that's what happened. I should probably word it differently. I wasn't shooting off like a volcano, but I lost my patience and was too harsh on my boys.<br />
<br />
I had a few sight words up on my laptop and Luke was going through them trying to sound out the letters and put them into words. Wesley has been sick lately and was grabbing at my leg for some attention while I held Emily in my arms while she fell asleep.<br />
<br />
It's 3 in the afternoon. I'm still in my running clothes from the morning. We had been gone all morning because our furnace stopped working the night before and our house was a balmy 56 degrees. Dave made an appointment with a repairman to come between 10 and 12. I've always had a problem with repairman. I wish that I could trust everyone and anyone, but the fact that I am inviting and paying a stranger to come into my home while I am alone with the kids just seems baffling to me. And makes me feel completely uncomfortable. Sweet Dave said that he would stay home and be there for the repairman while I went to his parent's house to stay warm and exercise. He loves me. We were gone until 2pm. Warmer and $500 poorer, here I was standing in the chaos.<br />
<br />
Money has always scared me. Something must have happened when I was in my mother's tummy because the fear of money seems to run in my blood. There was one point in our marriage, 2 years in fact, that we had thousands of dollars in savings. I mean 12 of them. We didn't have to touch it and we never did. Even when we had that money I still lived like we were scraping by. I just wanted the money to be there. And never not be there. Then we bought a house. Things have been tight for us since then but we have always been able to make it. This summer we put a yard in which cost much more than we had anticipated and our health insurance covered far less of the expenses required for the delivery of Emily and the hospital stay.<br />
<br />
Long story short, money still scares me. And if I think about it for too long and this burden that sits heavily on my shoulders, then I get uptight and impatient. Whenever I get impatient with my kids it's because my mind has been resting on the money situation that we are in. It makes me really sad every time. Only a few seconds go by before I realize what just happened and I am down on my knees at the boys' level to apologize and make things okay again. They are always very forgiving and give such sweet hugs.<br />
<br />
I know what I have to do. I can't let this worry get to me. I can't let it effect my actions towards my children. I watch them play while I think about the fact that money is going to be tight again next month. And the next. And then probably the next.<br />
<br />
I don't know if it is appropriate that I share this, but it is bursting out of my heart and onto the "page". I'm not doing this to have a pity-party or anything. Just sharing my thoughts.<br />
<br />
No matter what is going through my mind or what I am worried about at the moment (because I know there will ALWAYS be something to worry about), I want to be able to let it go. Have FAITH and just live. I want to live like my kids and just enjoy today and not worry about tomorrow. Heavenly Father is watching over me and my little family and will take care of us. Instead of losing my patience I want to have my knee-jerk reaction to be to get down on the level of my child and talk with them about what they are feeling and what they need. I want to be the constant for them. I'm not afraid to cry in front of them or let them know that things are hard or that I'm worried about something. But I don't want that to cause me to treat them differently or talk differently to them. I want to be in the moment with them.<br />
<br />
Wesley is pretty much my stress thermometer. Actually, I'm realizing this as I am typing. But whenever I am stressed, he's a basket case. That sweet boy. I need to do better for him. I need to do better for all of them. Being a mommy is hard but I am so willing to take this kind of hard. They are the joy of my life. Oh how I love them.<br />
<br />
And tomorrow is another day for me to do better. Hooray!Brienne Shumwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05589212165897538217noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372172186506259577.post-55312386956228387222013-12-31T21:54:00.001-07:002013-12-31T21:54:31.018-07:00Our Would-be Christmas Letter<div style="border: 0px; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
We are doing great. Besides the fact that Wesley hasn’t slept well for the past week from sickness and that I can’t see straight because I am so tired, things are fabulous here. I’m always worried that due to financial constraints there will only be two presents under the tree for our boys, but Christmas always somehow explodes at our house with love and gifts that we receive from those who love us and our little smidgens. We had fun this year, but just like every year, I plan on making next year a more Christ centered Christmas.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Luke will be 5 years old in 6 weeks and I just can’t believe it. He is very smart and will ask questions all day about everything that he can think of. He is so curious about the world and all that it has to offer. I try really hard to answer all of his questions, but I have to admit that sometimes I have to step out of the room when he has asked his 300th question are we are only 15 minutes into the movie. I want so badly for him to continue with this curiosity and never stop thinking and wondering. He is tall and skinny and is noticing that other people have the same skin color that he does. He LOVES giving talks in primary and has given one every time for the last 3 times that the sunbeams were in charge of opening exercises. The last time they asked if he would give the scripture and let someone else give the talk. We have been doing mommy preschool for the past few months and I’m amazed with how much he has learned. He is fascinated with writing letters and will sometimes write a whole note with all sorts of random letters. Sometimes they say that he loves mommy and sometimes it’s directions to a hidden treasure. He wants so badly to have super powers. If any of you ever figure out how to give a child super powers, please let me know.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Wesley is awesome. He talks a whole lot. His favorite saying lately is, “Wait, I have a better idea.” Mostly used for the times when I tell him that he can have a treat after he eats his dinner. He jumps off of everything that he can climb onto and if he can’t climb onto it he will scoot a stool or bucket over so that he can. He is obsessed with treats and will rummage through the pantry every chance that he gets. He is 2 1/2 years younger than Luke and weighs 8 pounds less. Looking at his thick chest and cute belly you would think that he eats a lot, but he doesn’t. Our latest struggle with him is getting him to eat anything. He has gotten into his own imaginary play but still loves to play with his big brother. He loves Emily and wants to always hold her hand. He has the sweetest little squinchy eyed smile that makes me want to squeeze him all day long.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Oh sweet Emily. She is 7 months old now. How did that happen? When people use the phrase “sleeping like a baby”, they are referring to babies like her. She is a CHAMPION sleeper and this mommy appreciates it very much. She should get her first two teeth on the bottom any day now. She will play with just about everything but prefers paper over anything else. Let’s just say that my Ensign has seen better days. She loves her mommy but adores her daddy and can’t get enough of her brothers. She giggles at them while they play on the floor. The boys light up when she giggles and will always work to get more. She’s still a bit scrawny but is healthy and growing. She is all pink and we love having her sweet spirit in our home.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Dave is always looking for the next project that he can work on and the next pair of shoes that he can get. He’s been wearing $10 shoes after $10 shoes and has finally been able to go out and buy some higher quality ones. He is enjoying his job and loves his family. He is getting better about not cutting off his singing when I walk into the room when he is playing the piano. I hope someday you can hear the wonderful talent that he has.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
As for me, these 4 people are my life. Each day I try to be a better mom and and wife. And some days just getting through the day is a success for me. The other day I was joking with Dave on the phone about how I should get the mother of the year award because of all that I accomplished with my kids that day. Then I heard a sweet boy behind me call my name. I turned to find Wesley covered in mascara. I just had to laugh and make sure Dave didn’t take away the award simply for a mascara-covered child.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Wow, that’s more than I expected to write. And I thought I didn’t have time to send out a Christmas letter.</div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
Happy New Years to you all!</div>
<div style="border: 0px; color: #2b2b2b; font-family: Lato, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 24px; margin-bottom: 24px; outline: 0px; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;">
B</div>
Brienne Shumwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05589212165897538217noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372172186506259577.post-15263851227988939002013-06-22T21:00:00.002-06:002013-06-22T21:00:51.263-06:00Ya...it's been forever.So we have a new baby. Yeah. A lot has happened since I posted almost a year ago. We'll see if I can keep up with posting for the next little while.<br />
<br />
We just had a baby. Hooray! It was for sure a roller-coaster ride for the last few months. Here is Dave's story of the event.<br />
<br />
<table border="0" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><tbody>
<tr><td class="b" style="font-size: 12px;" valign="top" width="100%">Emily Lynn Shumway was born on Sunday May 26th at 4:59 PM. We awoke in the<br />morning to find that Brienne's water was leaking and we knew that we were in for an<br />eventful day. On friday we had been told that because of Brienne's gestational<br />hypertension she would have to be induced on tuesday if she did not have the baby<br />before then. Both of us were worried by this because we strongly believe in letting<br />babies come when they are ready and with as little medical intervention as possible. But<br />the choice was out of our hands. If we waited, Brienne's life could also be put at risk. So,<br />we prayed a lot that our little girl would come on her own. So, when Brienne's water<br />broke on Sunday morning we knew it was a blessing and we needed to go with it. So,<br />we called our babysitter, Brienne's sister Krystyna, to come and watch the boys. But after<br />repeated calls she didn't answer so we had to drive to American Fork to wake her up and hand<br />off the boys. Then we went to the hospital. Unfortunately, upon our arrival we found<br />that Brienne was still only dilated to a 1 and her cervix was still thick. They suggested we<br />begin Pitocin right away. We decided to wait a couple of hours and see if things could get<br />going on their own, which they didn't. So, we started Pitocin and over the next few hours<br />as the doses were increased Brienne began having consistent and painful contractions. <br />But the progress was still slow. As more hours went by and she had only reached a 5,<br />Brienne decided she couldn't go another 5 hours like this and asked for an epidural. <br /><br />But then things got interesting. It took about 20-30 minutes for the epidural guy to get<br />there. Brienne was the only mother having a baby that day in the hospital, so he had to<br />be called in. When he did arrive there were questions to be asked and papers to be filled<br />out and needles to be inserted, all the while Brienne was still having contractions. Once<br />the epidural was in place but before any medicine had been given, Brienne was dilated to<br />a 7 and was fully effaced. At this point, there were what seemed like 10 people in the<br />room setting up equipment and putting on gloves and robes. I was a little confused by<br />this thinking that we were still a good hour or more away from the baby arriving, but I<br />figured there were no other mothers in labor, so maybe they were just getting things set<br />up. Imagine my surprise then when before the epidural guy has even had time to finish<br />Brienne has the urge to push, the midwife gets suited up, nurses are adjusting the bed<br />and putting the bucket in place, and then the head is crowning. And no sooner is the<br />head crowning then the head pops out and we have a baby girl. A beautiful, but tiny little<br />girl. Only 5 lbs 9 oz and 18.5 inches tall. Nearly 2 pounds less than Luke and over 3<br />pounds less than Wesley. And shorter than them both by an inch or more. But unlike<br />them, she had no problem breathing from the outset and was quickly cleared by the<br />respiratory therapist to stay in the room with us. Everything look perfectly fine, but she<br />was just so tiny that we could hardly believe it. And so it turned out that all of the<br />jostling around in preparation for the epidural got Brienne over the last little hump and<br />our tiny little girl squirted out. Brienne was grateful that she was able to finish up so that<br />they could turn off the epidural before she got numb. We don’t really know how much of<br />the medication took effect before they turned it off, but it doesn’t really matter. We have<br />a baby girl and mom and baby are both doing well. We did have a little trouble deciding<br />on a name, but at last we picked Emily Lynn Shumway. Lynn is Brienne’s mother’s middle<br />name and we picked Emily because it felt good. We have already affectionately<br />nicknamed her Emmy for short. She is a cute little bug. We look forward to you all<br />meeting her.<br /><br />Phew! I feel like I just went through it again! Things have been so good. Recovery was great, but I can't even tell you how exhausted I am. It surprises me even. I have had so much help from family and friends. How grateful I am for everyone. Noe I just have to figure out the whole "having 3 kids" thing is supposed to go :)<br /><br />Love,<br />Brienne<br /><br />P.S. I just have to add, because Dave couldn't, that the contractions were horrible! The nurse came in every 1/2 hour to increase the dosage of Pitocin up 2 notches and each time she did this I would instantly have a horrendously painful contraction. And I mean HORRENDOUS. I labored medication free with Wesley and those contractions seem like a breeze compared to the ones brought on by the Pitocin. I couldn't even think straight and couldn't catch up in between contractions. When I was at 8mL of Pitocin is when things got really bad. But she still had to increase it up to 12 before the craziness happened. It took me 20 minutes to go from 5cm dilated to 10cm. Fast. After I was hooked up to the epidural I was laying back in the bed and felt the urge to push. I said "uh-oh" and Dave is still mad at me. The midwife asked if I was ready to push. This is the same second that my mom walks in after driving all the way from Pocatello, ID. She BARELY made it. I pushed once and they all yelled "you can see her head" I pushed again and she was out. It makes me laugh to remember how surprised I was. The whole thing is still crazy. To plan a birth like that, on the morning of, is so strange to me. It never felt real until I was holding her in my arms. She s straight from heaven. Seriously. A little angel in my arms. And she sleeps like a champ which is really good too.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Brienne Shumwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05589212165897538217noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372172186506259577.post-28423386596598168662012-08-16T11:24:00.000-06:002012-08-16T11:24:06.991-06:00Raising Kids IS hard. But awesome.Okay, I can't leave my last post as a depressed and sad one. So here is a happy one!<br />
<br />
Things are great. We are loving our new house. We don't have a yard yet but that will soon come (next summer). For now we are utilizing the parks near us and our friends across the street. We love having neighbors and close friends.<br />
<br />
I haven't gone running in 3 weeks and plan to start again tonight. Yay for me! Running is such a good stress reliever for me.<br />
<br />
Luke and Wesley are as fun and as cute as ever. I found that as I decreased the stress in my life and allowed myself to let go of things that were out of my control, Luke's behavior has gotten significantly better. He feeds off of my emotions and when I am stressed he gets scared and out of control. As I stay calm and just accept life as it happens around me (while assuming control of the things that I have control over) he does the same and everyone is happy. We are all greatly benefiting from this new outlook on life.<br />
<br />
I also have a strong belief in the fact that the relationship between spouses is the most important one because when something is out of order with husband and wife it automatically effects the children. Make sure you and your husband are on the same page and communicating with love ALWAYS. Kids hear everything and we need to be careful of what they hear. Not only that be we should just always talk kindly to our spouse. We can disagree on things but there doesn't ever need to be yelling or fighting. Ever. It's that easy. Stay on top of your concerns with your spouse and never put off telling your spouse something because you just think it will change. Do it now. Your relationship needs it.<br />
<br />
Luke has gone 2 weeks without an accident in his diaper. In fact he's not even wearing diapers anymore. He gets to wear cool big boy Lightning McQueen underwear. Cool dude. I am so proud of him. And the Nerf gun sitting on top of the fridge that was promised to him when he became potty-trained will be given to him soon. Cute boy.<br />
<br />
Dave and I went on a date last night and it was great. We need to do that more often and plan to trade with our neighbors a couple of times a month so that we can all get some necessary big people time together.<br />
<br />
Well, my goal of keeping this short has failed. That's okay.<br />
<br />
Raising kids is still hard but it's the greatest blessing in my life. Along with my husband.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZ08vROR-GV5bsVeBxlul5qmF7kH2Os846EusNMFkYWjLsLUELXMQTz2hspQGcdYQlrPKCTDx0xdbv-00porsv07G2Yvk6vtM_luICMz9Ze0B4ETfaLNoO5JLZGiWi4CuIo9GxoUTMZU/s1600/IMG_0221.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKZ08vROR-GV5bsVeBxlul5qmF7kH2Os846EusNMFkYWjLsLUELXMQTz2hspQGcdYQlrPKCTDx0xdbv-00porsv07G2Yvk6vtM_luICMz9Ze0B4ETfaLNoO5JLZGiWi4CuIo9GxoUTMZU/s320/IMG_0221.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
Here's to making every day an adventure!Brienne Shumwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05589212165897538217noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372172186506259577.post-26883756330750079442012-05-30T19:43:00.002-06:002012-05-31T12:08:23.132-06:00Does anybody else think having kids is hard?Having kids is hard. Today was really hard. I went to sleep last night with a sore throat. I woke up in the middle of the night and couldn't go back to sleep. I was up for hours. Wesley lay in my arm, Dave was sound asleep and Luke had fallen asleep in our bed. The four of us should have been sleeping but only I lay awake tossing and turning. I just knew that today was going to be hard. And it was. I don't know how to reach Luke. He is such a darling and sweet boy. But when it comes to his little brother Luke takes any opportunity to hurt him and bug him. I have tried to avoid time-outs in the past because he reacted as though I was taking his very soul away. He would tremble and shake and cling to me like his world was about to fall apart. So I used other forms of "taking a break". Until now. The last little while he has just stopped reacting to anything and I feel like all day long all he hears from me is "Stop hitting your brother." "Don't push your brother." "Give that back to him." Today just pushed me over the edge. I just sat down on the kitchen floor and cried. Within seconds both boys were sitting next to me eating their snacks as cute as can be.<br />
<br />
Luke yells at me. A lot. I don't know why because Dave and I have done really good with keep our voices in check even when we get upset. It hurts me when Luke yells at me. In the beginning I used to worry about what other people thought about my son and my mothering skills but I have come to realize that that should be the least of my worries. My children should be my first. But boy does Luke yell. He even clinches his teeth and breathes like a dragon. Maybe he has anger issues. I strongly believe in and try really hard every time to come to his level and talk to him. To work out the emotion and teach him that it's okay to get angry, even normal, but it's not okay to act out in that anger. I don't know if he understands at all but I am willing to work on that one for years because I know it will help him throughout his life. I know that it's hard for a firstborn. He had it all when it was just him. Two parents that were all his. Then Wesley is born and that all changes. It must be so hard to go through that. He doesn't understand that we love him just the same. Well, he might, but his whole world was turned upside down in one day. But it can't be any different. We want a big family and every child is going to have to go through the transition of not being the baby anymore. They will survive. But boy is it hard for me. Trying to help them go through hard things while at the same time loving them and squeezing them for just being them. Those are hardthings for me. It's hard for me to combine the two and I know it's going to only get harder as they get older and go through even harder things.<br />
<br />
I want to remember how precious they are. They will always be precious but the baby stage has it's special preciousness. Wesley is almost a year old. Where in the world did the time go! People ask me all the time when I plan to get pregnant again and I laugh and say, "Probably in the Fall." But inside I am thinking, "I haven't even figured out how to raise two children at the same time! I can't think about raising three."<br />
<br />
I called my mom to get some "encouragement for a mother" and she didn't answer. She was on the other line. She's so busy. So I am typing up my feelings instead. I need to do better writing in my journal. I did really good until we moved into our new house. I need to read my scriptures more, I need to pray tons more and I need to have WAY more faith. I think I have to relearn everyday how to be a mother. These sweet boys that put up with me are so sweet to do so.<br />
<br />
I found a poem from a discouraged mother. In it she wrote, "To some I have done nothing, but to two I have done the world."<br />
<br />
Thanks for listening.Brienne Shumwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05589212165897538217noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372172186506259577.post-38187120058820680862012-02-15T20:06:00.003-07:002012-02-15T20:19:42.795-07:00Luke and the Doctor<div style="text-align: center;">Today we had Luke's 3rd year checkup at the doctor's. Now I figured that it would be a battle to get him to go and a battle to convince him to let the doctor check him - and oh what a battle it was. But the battle was short and I was the one that stepped back. There was no screaming or fighting from Luke. All he said was "I can't" when the nurse tried to check his heart rate and blood pressure. She put the little doo-dad on her finger, I put it on mine and we even put it on Wesley but Luke wouldn't have any of it. He crossed his arms behind his back and said, "I can't". There I was with Luke and Wesley on my lap. Wesley was grabbing at my hair and clothes because he wanted to be fed and Luke was refusing to cooperate with the nurse. I laughed, turned to the nurse and asked, "Do we have to do this?" She said, "Umm...I guess not." And I said, "Okay. Let's not then."</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">So we ventured over to the scale and height thing and it was the same story. "I can't." We ended up weighing me holding him and me without him. We then went into the room and had his vision test. Woohoo! He loved that game. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">But why am I telling you this? Well, while he was thoroughly enjoying his vision test/game I was watching the little munchkin boy. I was proud of him. I thought, "way to go Luke! Way to not let somebody violate you or your body when it makes you uncomfortable!" </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He is a fighter. He wouldn't even let the doctor check his ears when I told him that Toothless the dragon was in it. Fighter. And I was so proud of him. He knows when he feels safe and comfortable and when he doesn't. I'm not about to step over those bounds and force him to give up his power.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Way to go Luke.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We went home and played with bubbles.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJxa4ZrgvcInuyZRTL-qjKARMH8jTT1G5CgqsveRBcm_WNHY2_ZuQ_GaXmsc4dhXYT-vEC78WgRMB2Gs-LlIve4B-OAqmH4ieE9Ks-1xnNxPPbfyg4r-FVt2idjUkybH4_rMajss98DBo/s400/IMG_8060.JPG" /> </div>Brienne Shumwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05589212165897538217noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372172186506259577.post-36929017674018893632012-02-08T09:54:00.004-07:002012-02-08T10:11:22.437-07:00Preschool<div style="text-align: center;">Today is Luke's second day of Preschool. The day before he started we went to meet his teacher and see the classroom. The first thing he noticed was the huge fish tank. He couldn't take his eyes off of it. He was excited ever since that visit to go and see the fishies again.</div><div style="text-align: center;">So his first day of school I was a basket case because I was sure the dropping off scene would be a horrible one for both of us. But it was totally opposite. He walked in the classroom and didn't look back. I kissed him on the cheek and said I love you as he was walking over to the fish tank. Then the door closed and I cried. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">His second day of preschool was just as good. He walked in the classroom and when he got to the fish tank he turned around and waved goodbye to me. And I didn't even cry this time. I can't believe my little munchkin boy is going to preschool! I am thrilled for him and I know he will be able to learn things that I can't teach him. He was so excited to go to school even though this picture doesn't look like it. He just HATES having his picture taken.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9fEjha7IkoyAR8gZu9Ek8G3KTl-6hu8RoXfReKVm3HwHd7I1nG7qvE0kzxkeFoPctfchS4fUP2SWnYvCNmMV4OuyI7KTdcOEMvF24ijDxVKIOQTS5Ou2-qYEfv_Cf0anPpp7rr-iIWA/s1600/IMG_1229.JPG" style="text-align: left; "><img style="text-align: center;display: block; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: auto; margin-bottom: 10px; margin-left: auto; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px; " src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9fEjha7IkoyAR8gZu9Ek8G3KTl-6hu8RoXfReKVm3HwHd7I1nG7qvE0kzxkeFoPctfchS4fUP2SWnYvCNmMV4OuyI7KTdcOEMvF24ijDxVKIOQTS5Ou2-qYEfv_Cf0anPpp7rr-iIWA/s400/IMG_1229.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5706810897865294226" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And here is Wesley boy on Luke's first day of school. Excited to not be pummeled every 5 minutes while Luke is at school.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9fEjha7IkoyAR8gZu9Ek8G3KTl-6hu8RoXfReKVm3HwHd7I1nG7qvE0kzxkeFoPctfchS4fUP2SWnYvCNmMV4OuyI7KTdcOEMvF24ijDxVKIOQTS5Ou2-qYEfv_Cf0anPpp7rr-iIWA/s1600/IMG_1229.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9fEjha7IkoyAR8gZu9Ek8G3KTl-6hu8RoXfReKVm3HwHd7I1nG7qvE0kzxkeFoPctfchS4fUP2SWnYvCNmMV4OuyI7KTdcOEMvF24ijDxVKIOQTS5Ou2-qYEfv_Cf0anPpp7rr-iIWA/s1600/IMG_1229.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4ZAPGmiYS19TAkWMtIvbSjUg-dL2T7v0-obk6VPm6bgPB_dNFrDj5SqPAVqGIuJauYY4aR5KAG7eg5X74_YnuipsRv9r0CaDa7pu_IqPU0CYi7FyYd5D1uMx02r1Vw409ZEyDe5t5Ksg/s400/IMG_1226.JPG" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We were being silly with my sister's sunglasses.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9fEjha7IkoyAR8gZu9Ek8G3KTl-6hu8RoXfReKVm3HwHd7I1nG7qvE0kzxkeFoPctfchS4fUP2SWnYvCNmMV4OuyI7KTdcOEMvF24ijDxVKIOQTS5Ou2-qYEfv_Cf0anPpp7rr-iIWA/s1600/IMG_1229.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9fEjha7IkoyAR8gZu9Ek8G3KTl-6hu8RoXfReKVm3HwHd7I1nG7qvE0kzxkeFoPctfchS4fUP2SWnYvCNmMV4OuyI7KTdcOEMvF24ijDxVKIOQTS5Ou2-qYEfv_Cf0anPpp7rr-iIWA/s1600/IMG_1229.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcXgqfNGl0HefsdiiUOVvpEdKqwg34ydh3LejC30Dl0F4qX2PK-jiZnLGm3armdgAp14esyQtiRgy1oNXoEwgTWjnm7LkXiADTUEtxpt9RlbzvHg7mXdwMlOceotVtDE34Q3d3kngAlTA/s400/IMG_1212.JPG" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Like a little bug.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9fEjha7IkoyAR8gZu9Ek8G3KTl-6hu8RoXfReKVm3HwHd7I1nG7qvE0kzxkeFoPctfchS4fUP2SWnYvCNmMV4OuyI7KTdcOEMvF24ijDxVKIOQTS5Ou2-qYEfv_Cf0anPpp7rr-iIWA/s1600/IMG_1229.JPG"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9fEjha7IkoyAR8gZu9Ek8G3KTl-6hu8RoXfReKVm3HwHd7I1nG7qvE0kzxkeFoPctfchS4fUP2SWnYvCNmMV4OuyI7KTdcOEMvF24ijDxVKIOQTS5Ou2-qYEfv_Cf0anPpp7rr-iIWA/s1600/IMG_1229.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuK3_n8PlVdrt4gVOMYi36BBm1UgqUHAvfw_QxkThyN_TU9sZKsM-acyYZOpEHNUL6kN9JYMJ_tBVppAATC_Sds0e1sLfsZUer5yoRWQGsNdaafD9ozVdMmgt7tY12Y9iEgQIKAuvQzKc/s400/IMG_1214.JPG" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And here are the two of them playing in the fort. I love it when I hear giggles from these two!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq9fEjha7IkoyAR8gZu9Ek8G3KTl-6hu8RoXfReKVm3HwHd7I1nG7qvE0kzxkeFoPctfchS4fUP2SWnYvCNmMV4OuyI7KTdcOEMvF24ijDxVKIOQTS5Ou2-qYEfv_Cf0anPpp7rr-iIWA/s1600/IMG_1229.JPG"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1-U_1uvKso-OTJK5lDYFZAC5PcaYuJEPsR-xqE5be3i0GIw2b6OQwWkqg3sU6dc4ey8rJcnyTqYInfaAZTRAQrdg0z_3hVXCcH_hG-1BZcA_B3x1FF94a-ZU4yDFG8F63D8gFhfsxJ5c/s400/IMG_1183.JPG" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Life is AWESOME and CRAZY. I am so blessed to have such wonderful boys in my life. I love going through the lessons of being a mother every day and learning so much. Now Preschool is our current adventure and so far so good!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">P.S. Dave officially graduated from UVU! Yay! We made it.</div>Brienne Shumwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05589212165897538217noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372172186506259577.post-54803690923919839042011-10-05T11:25:00.001-06:002011-10-05T11:25:32.022-06:00Ummm....<div>There are a billion things that I should be writing about but I have just a few minutes and want to share just one thing.</div><div><br /></div><div>My sister and I are recording all of our family videos onto DVD and it has been so fun! I love seeing myself and my family as we grow through the years, how we interact with each other and the experiences that we shared. I am grateful to my parents for the hard work that put into raising us 4 kids. There was much laughter and learning. </div><div><br /></div><div>As I watch the different stages of my growing up years I have been able to have such a different perspective on life. I look at little Brienne and I know exactly what is going to happen to her that year in school, or what she will do that following summer. The friends that she will meet, the place that she will move next and the fun times she will share with family. But I also know of the tough times that will come and bad decisions that she will make. I have thought often what I would tell little Brienne at the age of 6 or 9 or 16. What advice would I give her about life and what would come? Would I warn her about things? Would I tell her to stay away from certain boys or be more involved in a sport? Crazy to think about.</div><div><br /></div><div>While I would love to change things up a bit throughout my growing up years so far I also love where I am today and I know that the experiences that I had have brought me to this exact place.</div><div><br /></div><div>What would you tell the little version of yourself?</div>Brienne Shumwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05589212165897538217noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372172186506259577.post-15287846577527688492011-06-12T22:53:00.005-06:002011-06-12T23:15:59.194-06:005 days late...but just on time!<div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">In the interest of time I have decided to post what Dave had posted on our family website about the birth of baby Wesley. He did a really good job.</span></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; "><br /></span></div></span><div style="text-align: center;font-size: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><i>So, now that we are home and I don't have to type news on my phone, I will be happy to provide the long version of Wesley's birth. Here it goes...<br /><br />So, there we were waiting for Brienne to pop. Her due date was supposed to be the 30th of May, but because Luke was born 10 days early we had no idea what to expect this time around. Thus, for the last few weeks we were just twiddling our thumbs and waiting for the contractions to get painful. And they did, here and there, but they would always stop. Brienne had to start a regiment of walking, jumping, and even jogging just to keep them going. After many days of frustration however, Brienne decided to take a break and just wait for him to come in his own time.<br /><br />So, Memorial Day weekend came and we were once again hoping and praying that this little guy, who was at this time unnamed, would just come out. But when the due date passed without much of anything, we weren't really sure what to do. We knew we wanted to do this totally natural. We didn't want to do any drugs at all. So, when we went to the doctor on the 31st, we allowed one of the midwifes at the clinic to strip the membranes, which consists of separating the amniotic sac from the opening of the cervix. This has been known to get labor going. So, we did that and then just waited for the baby to come. We also had several tests done to make sure that the baby was alright. Sure enough, he was just happy as a clam in there. So, we went home from spending half the day in the hospital, and waited for the stripping of the membranes to take it's course. Nothing happened.<br /><br />So, at this point, Brienne is frustrated. And I am frustrated right along with her. It is now Thursday the 2nd. Brienne's mom, Debbie came down for a special class in Pleasant Grove, and stayed the night at the house. It would have been a perfect time for the baby to come. But when Brienne wasn't having any consistent contractions, Debbie suggested that maybe a change of scene would help Brienne to relax. She suggested that Brienne come up to Idaho for the weekend. When the idea was presented to me, red flags started popping up in my head. You're overdue, looking like you're going to burst, and you're going to travel out of state where you will be at least 2.5 hours away from the hospital you were planning on delivering at. So, I expressed my concerns, and Brienne decided to stay home. And it's a good thing too.<br /><br />Brienne had another doctors appointment scheduled for Friday the 3rd where they would repeat all the tests that they had done previously. We decided that this was overkill at this point though, so we cancelled. As long as he was moving around inside there, Brienne was sure everything was fine, other than the fact that he was several days overdue. Brienne bought Evening Primrose and Clary Sage, two natural oils that can help to start labor. So, at about 12 AM on Saturday the 4th, Brienne couldn't sleep because she was starting to have contractions. Also, she had started to have some blood come out and was worried about the safety of the baby. I did a quick google search and confirmed that blood and mucus is a totally natural discharge when you are going into labor. So, there was no reason to freak out and rush into the hospital. We spent the night timing contractions and helping her to relax. She sat in the bath for a while which really helped. After that, we were in the family room watching movies to pass the time. The contractions were getting more painful, but generally consistent in timing. She was also having more bloody discharge.<br /><br />Our plan all along was to stay at home as long as possible, because there is really nothing comfortable about the hospital. And the longer you are there, the more pressure there is to take drugs. So, we were going to keep Brienne comfortable at home as long as was safely possible. We called Debbie at 3 AM and told her she should probably come down if she wants to see this baby born. She left shortly thereafter. Because we couldn't leave Luke at home alone, and didn't want to drag him out of bed, we waited for Debbie to arrive to take Brienne to the hospital. This happened at about 6:45 AM. I called Duane and this point and we arranged for him to come and pick up Luke, so I could get to the hospital. He arrived at around 7:30, and I jumped in the car and headed for the hospital.<br /><br />I got a call on my way to tell me to hurry up, because Brienne was dilated to a 7 and they were going to break her water because they were sure that the baby was going to come soon, and all the blood was starting to worry them a little. When I got there, they broke the water, which was very uneventful. Come to find out that all the blood was her water breaking, so nothing else really came out when they broke it. The placenta was so close to the opening of the cervix that it had started bleeding. The baby's vitals were good though, so they were more worried about Brienne losing too much blood. She was hooked up to an IV at this point.<br /><br />So, now the contractions got really painful. Brienne could barely open her eyes. One after another, they just kept going. The nurses and midwife seemed supremely confident that this baby was just going to slide out quickly, but it was a bit more complicated then that. At about 8:12, Brienne started having the urge to push and push she did. She became a woman possessed with one thought. "Get this baby out of me." For the next 30 minutes or so, she pushed, and changed positions, and then pushed some more. The little boy was turned in a weird way and it made the whole process take much longer. The skin on his head was terribly scrunched up when he finally crowned. But, after all that pushing he finally popped out. He was a big boy. They had to suck bloody fluid from his lungs, and monitor his oxygen intake for a while, but he was good and healthy. 8 pounds 13 ounces, and 21 inches long. Quite a bit bigger than Luke was.<br /><br />So, baby Wesley was whisked away to the nursery to be monitored and I went with him, leaving Brienne behind. A short while later though, Brienne couldn't wait for him to come back to her and came down in a wheelchair to nurse him. He was breathing well enough for them to let her nurse, and he latched on like a champ. From then on, everything went well. Because of how slowly Wesley had made his descent, Brienne hadn't torn at all, which meant that she didn't have to have any stitches. All in all, the recovery was ridiculously easy compared to Luke. A little fluid discharge, but in general just soreness. Brienne even found the energy to clean up the hospital room.<br /><br />Anyway, later in the afternoon I went and retrieved Luke and brought him to see his baby brother. He was a very gentle big brother, and it seemed to finally dawn on him that mommy actually did have a baby in her tummy. We spent the rest of the day hanging out as a family. Coincidentally enough, my coworker and close friend Kade was at the hospital at the same time. They had their baby girl at 8:30 AM on the same day. Crazy. Brienne stayed in the hospital Saturday night, and into Sunday. Once we realized that Brienne's recovery would be the same at home, and all of Wesley's tests and circumcision were done, we decided to check out. So, we left at about 2 PM on Sunday.<br /><br />It was amazing how, after all that waiting, the labor itself had progressed so quickly and Brienne's recovery had been so easy. We felt very blessed. We chose the name of Wesley David, because he just didn't look like an Ezra. We had been partial towards Ezra for some time, but Wesley was a better fit. He is now at home, nursing away and being as cute as he can be. He is a big boy, but many of his features differ from Luke's. He has a more prominent nose, and upper lip. Both of which are synonymous with Brienne's family. Instead of having big hands and feet like Luke, his are more petite. They will grow though. And he has dark hair, and much more of it then Luke had at birth. They are definitely different, but Luke is excited to be a big brother.<br /><br />So, that's pretty much it. Is that detailed enough? I suppose I could have filmed the whole thing. Thanks everyone for your support. We are so happy that Wesley finally decided to come, even if he did take his merry time. </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;font-size: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; "><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: left;font-size: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >Yay! After going 5 days over my due date I was pretty sure that I really was going to be pregnant forever. But it turns out there was a little baby in my tummy and he did decide to come out. What a blessing and a miracle babies are. Straight from heaven. I love watching him have dreams and smiling. People wonder what they could be dreaming about but I know it is about heaven. What else does he have memories of? I have felt so close to my Savior and to my Heavenly Father this past little while. My testimony has been strengthened of families and love and the Gospel in general. What a blessing to know what we know. The church is true. The Savior lives. Families are forever.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;font-size: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;font-size: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >Dave is the best daddy I know. He loves his boys and he loves me. He took this week off of work and I don't ever want him to go back! I love having my best friend and companion at home all day with me. I have completely fallen in love with him all over again. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;font-size: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;font-size: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >I am so lucky and blessed to have such precious boys in my life. </span></div><div style="text-align: left;font-size: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;font-size: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span" >And here are some pictures of us all...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;font-size: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;font-size: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhv479sEi7nxoLqk7Xs3dBPMm932G8a4dT0cwx-OFegE6J6Mgl8wC-k7ECSPe3l9v2sShYQGZfS75b8wdhFgkfeXcdmwzlOJ5d_uR24BSwmx4zrYZ4wQJ2toGJExdR5NzMZWAedxNPBh7E/s400/IMG_0160.JPG" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;font-size: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;font-size: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ6EaL8h6GMmh52f1oaqEXO6B0KomqpdhYX7PRoBFxbGRXkUQJpFQ47Lxn8qN9isMC58rb2g2WecEELl1eckrzDnqaTdILNrVeQ4slfipmVAK-YkxWXZD0GOm-4x7Se-RjK_MhGCfLVkg/s400/IMG_0975.JPG" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;font-size: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;font-size: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE4AFFsCBqcnJDLX5PlhrdsaJtnYivq8PdRWKxNMbbphlO8vEAPGiTG0y0lJ9FyAia7cdJMdFQYTfgZiCOCU6tETxM2sUBiY6uMrh1VlgiM3lhi4-96mcCK65yAp7h4hyphenhyphenC3Q0M_awK8vM/s400/IMG_0168.JPG" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;font-size: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;font-size: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRNtTLGg_1IHKPLwpl4UWH_yYWon_fW5CMY8qB6BJAIPmH-savqw5vLcIYMQbYlkrHrUVdN9BEWac3lgQMLd12ldDKE8QY9Ltrq4EZXju-lmDQq7tv-ZY7g30OXJ1cp7lbee5c5hRmULs/s400/IMG_0995.JPG" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;font-size: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;font-size: 12px; "><span class="Apple-style-span"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAxVCuhnFnqf-SpbNAYiwr7eqUE-x_iLNA9c7Lx0KGw1BKp8PFKf3evxLPTHVpR_ZluXNB4rP6Mw1kYeZm4RPo035Z0jDJ-4i49tqW0kBTbNkILc-922eSgMJ0RqwPS5P7Pk_p4OqrSAg/s400/IMG_0171.JPG" /></span></div>Brienne Shumwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05589212165897538217noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372172186506259577.post-33815304660288607002011-05-06T21:56:00.002-06:002011-05-06T21:59:08.622-06:00Quote I just found...<div style="text-align: center;">"Mothers, when your children begin to ask you questions, even about the delicate things in life, don't turn them aside. Take time to explain to their childish minds, or as they grow up, to their older minds. A successful mother is one who is never too tired for her sons and daughters to come and share their joys and sorrows with her." President Harold B. Lee</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">My mom was never too tired to hear about my life. Even at 2 in the morning.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I hope I can be (and am) this kind of mom too. </div>Brienne Shumwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05589212165897538217noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372172186506259577.post-33198099442257888452011-04-26T13:18:00.000-06:002011-04-26T13:19:20.460-06:00Good News!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; ">I had my 4th ultrasound to check on the location of the placenta and my need<br />for a c-section as my due date gets closer. The technician took all the measurements of<br />the baby and then the doctor came in. She looked for a minute and then let out a laugh<br />and said that I had no need to be there! The placenta has moved from the very bottom of<br />my uterus to the very tippy top. A serious miracle.<br /><br />So I don't have anymore ultrasound appointments and I don't need a c-section. Yay! It<br />was such good news and I wanted to let everybody know.<br /><br />We know that lots and lots of people have been praying and fasting for us and we are so<br />grateful. The power of the Priesthood is evident here as well and my testimony has been<br />strengthened.<br /><br />The technician said that from his measurements he already weighs 6 1/2 pounds (give or<br />take a little). She took some 3D pictures and you can see that he already has chubby<br />cheeks. The measurements moved my due date up to May 17th but my midwife said that<br />they won't officially change it. I guess I will just be ready starting mid-May for this baby to<br />come.<br /><br />Thank you for all your love and prayers.<br /><br />Now we just need to pick a name...</span>Brienne Shumwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05589212165897538217noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372172186506259577.post-26871787885872851682011-02-26T16:38:00.005-07:002011-02-26T17:24:26.211-07:00Cheers to being a mom for 2 years!<div style="text-align: center;">Luke is 2!</div><div style="text-align: center;">I can't believe it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We gave him 3 different birthday parties. We love birthday cake and will make any excuse to have some. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfcdaz7nPd0hWTlH5ioOaf2vEpAV2c8FCxOTen_wiQS_Jfdh2601T-Qey18blPJKN3peaP_zKGydhLrwMqZkWThW2VanE0kNymZJ8rsk7u8hZgQXM_pkoAZIqBsxwOuywkJS7xdoYj4tc/s400/IMG_0882.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm4WX25W-2oIFsMxjrGRP5fepSQ9YIu8wNpL4b5OnAemZSSvr9lnsgzFFS97C7ciK7j45rHqi8ojVw2jy6k_ROHW4__dqGUwIXwLQ_p2gIlpeWAJKIZIH92InNdk6-yARfR8JgYfwA2mY/s400/IMG_0905.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaI6-1P415NH2w5xaYuWCJ2HJLjuP4xNtH9-oGmAUPqj5Y1iKxnJXz62TTfqIWqebMB9LdYYd-g1_zG_c8i7sWOVl3nkioOwg2YdjSsgMDnWkDtzkED1g7v3holU5DfERh3Gb65EX6unY/s400/IMG_0916.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">One with the Shumway cousins, one with just Dave and I and one with the Hales cousins.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He has been <span class="Apple-style-span" >obsessed</span> with basketball lately <span class="Apple-style-span" >(probably because his dad plays so much of it!)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" >. So I tried to make him a basketball cake. I looked on the internet and I don't have a prayer of making a fancy cake. But orange icing and chocolate topping works for me. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >I could write a huge post about all the things that he is doing but I will put the top 5 that come to my mind:</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >1. He repeats everything you say. My mom says he is like a little parrot because you can always count on him to say what you just did. As we left the house the other day I said "dang it" because I forgot something and sure enough a second later I hear Luke say "dag it".</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >2. He </span><span class="Apple-style-span" >LOVES </span><span class="Apple-style-span" >his daddy. As soon as I mention anything like "daddy's coming home soon!" he will wait by the door until he comes home. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >3. Whenever we leave or anybody leaves the house, or just the room for that matter, he always says "back!" He wants to make sure that we are coming back. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >4. If I ever leave and come home from something he runs through the house with his arms open wide and a huge smile on his face until he finds me. That sweet sound of "mommy!" is so precious to me. He does it for his daddy too. Precious boy.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >5. Whenever we talk about his upcoming baby brother he will kiss my belly. He is going to be such a sweet big brother.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >6. He loves Buzz and Biddy </span><span class="Apple-style-span" >(Woody)</span><span class="Apple-style-span" >.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >Okay so I added one more. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >The pregnancy is going well. I have an ultrasound coming up to check on my placenta. I will let you know what happens.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >And here are some pictures of what we have been doing lately.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdMCvvse9FPKhHIY2vqXJ6kkAxwUAC3u4KnG8QTLv_4PnxoSipXImaWt4ZUdRMltXU0N97LdFfluVaGZLM4i9GLYMafPySyNiMOv9gp2NDu_LXy1ZJ_y_QPfi9XsJ8d1NUyNM9Obdjcus/s400/IMG_0866.JPG" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJ6CecVNrWfIAKstEPkc3ts5IOBP0AfyHhYKAbVnb-wlL-EF61XZ2CI-Zz9O7Krt9QrSmLS2nI_t33LID04BnJapWiIbQwnP18B9Z0pPHcMiLUQxU79yRz9uU2y0CygslXZxOtjjBw-iw/s400/IMG_0875.JPG" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDIIeTJa8Y5QZ5eJIExLZOSH8WyPSjVCOtsboUMaV7htS-MgufZG9XvI9qqSD_DBNqDcUJqiYqtE7fux3uEbVqhUiIBnKYb30miMs9BuSwKA4TeBqDONpC22nSnGsSKnU2bbVEUZJUpMQ/s400/IMG_0878.JPG" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHi2oXzBURKo0ALTuFKG_meuPPSYhA7JsNIWalCQ7OyMCne2nEnHLx3Tqow2eGNpkcaKYVDxQDb6DDCZpCVKUkDzCqlgKvzNMn4ceDlvXPZ4zVkI5hpfp_QrNKTlJAsH0sl7j8O106MHk/s400/IMG_0892.JPG" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLyF6zPCWbJw8k1Z5E6lSZ20DNTcOt223U199QrERp2wE75RSF9aqP1uhjQyee81xViIupBTJzFWkxerdW8ctnMQFdT6M1gBXuiQ5Q9VbzIXsFoCtbYmY3R7lP0Ozo9OY1IxSdwYUgsxk/s400/IMG_0896.JPG" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFcQP6wrRbgMDn12bNR0htMYY2Xd2NMNzrwd6cTw-UYtoZsudlxq8ltwBLAMA8L_odE9zmjfQVge5vGdTh2Ks_4pCN5OodWmJGOdkV9twNSwynOKf-cPgJ629pMNyh4UlCe-YXc7z9mNQ/s400/IMG_0900.JPG" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqAA6JQcxFpIegs8RLI9eLBS7GmChdOwPwnUjoB2RDjqSxIULa28BcCIMeLcHy4vozLWVKVjX_Ogow8DXt2eUe0MuNoTbc620R8lSZjE-N0ORTQuft9VnSq_KJ_FX1Do79yuw5iHQXbUE/s400/IMG_0912.JPG" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJbcdavHtQCRJip6B33aVmeTJtZBnCzESTqH4jW2IPtSO3wxDJcaGnwthUF8kPsYVLkS1vTU9ByLwJsQhYMTipsx-IBeYFdo5urDZ0nuT_wmzAMeBEYrVRC0vQkx10mU-rUnJaNsAktHk/s400/IMG_0915.JPG" /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" ><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" >I love this boy.</span></div>Brienne Shumwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05589212165897538217noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372172186506259577.post-36293024589370974942011-01-31T11:38:00.002-07:002011-01-31T12:23:05.171-07:00111 daysI just looked at my friend's blog and noticed that on the side where it lists her friend's blogs it showed that I haven't updated our blog for 111 days. <div><br /></div><div>That's a long time.</div><div><br /></div><div>And honestly a lot has happened since then.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am 5 months pregnant with a boy. I would have bet money that we were having a girl. For some reason I just felt like we were. So when I saw the "evidence" on the ultrasound I let out a laugh. We are having a boy! And I am more thrilled than ever. It will be a while before they can wrestle but I know that they will be precious together.</div><div><br /></div><div>I feel like I have a best friend-in-the-making for Luke.</div><div><br /></div><div>We had such a hard time finding a name for Luke that I don't think there is any hope for this one. It's interesting to me how we like completely different names when I was pregnant with Luke and those ones just don't seem to fit with this one. I can definitely feel his little Spirit. </div><div><br /></div><div>The day after we found out the gender I was had an appointment with my doctor who told me that I have "complete placenta previa". I had no idea what that was (placenta what?). It means that the placenta is completely covering the cervix. Which means the baby can't come out the normal way and I will most likely be getting a c-section. That was at first my biggest concern but after researching it and talking with the doctor I was informed that pre-term labor is highly likely as well as bleeding. </div><div><br /></div><div>If I was a pioneer I would be on a countdown to my death.</div><div><br /></div><div>And I wouldn't even know it.</div><div><br /></div><div>That thought keeps coming to my head and I am so grateful for modern technology and science that our Heavenly Father has blessed us with. Because of the ultrasound we can know so much and prepare. </div><div><br /></div><div>The doctor didn't put me on bed rest but she did put me on pelvic rest. And if you don't know what that is I will let you look it up. When I lay down to go to sleep at night I usually have 2 contractions with high pressure but never any pain. I just need to take it easy.</div><div><br /></div><div>I have another ultrasound on March 7th to check the placenta. If it is still complete than I will being meeting with the doctor who will do the c-section. And things will get more intense after that.</div><div><br /></div><div>I am having faith and I know that Heavenly Father is in charge. I feel very protected and I know that we will have a healthy baby boy at the end of all of this. The journey might be a little crazy until then but we will be blessed with an addition to our family.</div><div><br /></div><div>We moved into Dave's parent's house as they are leaving on their 2nd mission on April 5th to the Mexico City Mexico Temple. I LOVE the space and having a house that is more than fully furnished. They are such sweet people and Luke loves them dearly. He calls them Papa and Amama. </div><div><br /></div><div>And Luke.</div><div><br /></div><div>He is my precious little boy! And he is turning 2 on February 18th. He makes my life have so much meaning and laughter. He is my right arm and loves just being wherever I am. He is starting to talk so much. Sometimes he will say something to me and as I try to guess what he is saying he will cock one eyebrow and look at me like I am crazy. And he is all about basketball. If he knows his daddy is going to play basketball somewhere (and he does most nights) Luke just gets his hat and jacket and says bye to everyone. One night Luke and I weren't going to go because the game was later in the evening but when he saw Dave in his playing clothes Luke wouldn't take no for an answer and got dressed and walked out the door without me. </div><div><br /></div><div>Everyday I plan on beginning potty-training but it only goes that far. I have no idea what to do.</div><div><br /></div><div>My sister comes home from her mission in June! Yay! I am so excited. I miss her like crazy.</div><div><br /></div><div>And my older brother leaves for Iraq in a couple of weeks. </div><div><br /></div><div>I think I have been trying to deny it and pretend that it's not really happening. But I need to face the facts and just pray for him. And all the rest of the soldiers out there.</div>Brienne Shumwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05589212165897538217noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372172186506259577.post-39396765001417508622010-10-07T10:09:00.006-06:002010-10-07T10:35:39.650-06:00Us Lately<div style="text-align: center;">I've been really bad at updating our blog. It's hard for me to find time these days because we are having so much fun! Luke really is a fun kid and is always going and going. </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptXsmtl_z_kLgJM1F8q3JDUp7BvzlEyU6WiKmmtxsyNcgxd5fdov216DUOGBKeTaaOv86zp_A_S3qTqqfCaxChrlcc8Iuh-7Hpeh5z5RTFxLg5wlRuzNIP6evvGPDmQeAs1OE0S8jqjI/s1600/IMG_0762.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiptXsmtl_z_kLgJM1F8q3JDUp7BvzlEyU6WiKmmtxsyNcgxd5fdov216DUOGBKeTaaOv86zp_A_S3qTqqfCaxChrlcc8Iuh-7Hpeh5z5RTFxLg5wlRuzNIP6evvGPDmQeAs1OE0S8jqjI/s400/IMG_0762.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525341262702136898" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I took a trip up to my parent's house and they just happened to have a baby kitty there. Luke loved her and wouldn't stop chasing after her. As you can see, she was patient enough to let him actually pick her up sometimes.</div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGWHJ88I4Dnfgtsf3MKz2iHGAzZaqIeypPyHVl73didOVIai3JsF0mdMEDXvC3rjpbAmVZflUFxnDy4RzPAji-XCln-mTUlrf0uyvMi2nrLwKPpK3qWDWs0sin9hPNRH8qICJGXCDxOo/s1600/IMG_0774.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmGWHJ88I4Dnfgtsf3MKz2iHGAzZaqIeypPyHVl73didOVIai3JsF0mdMEDXvC3rjpbAmVZflUFxnDy4RzPAji-XCln-mTUlrf0uyvMi2nrLwKPpK3qWDWs0sin9hPNRH8qICJGXCDxOo/s400/IMG_0774.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525341252688556226" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We even took a walk with the kitty cat.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_pyk2VgT9AVCUQum5M7p5vt4BDqCH3YXQYabJobRVHdzYWOSqzAnOmaGlJBJmFZg8nANTHnHkviPXzLIgyOrTYlXqqrSPlcJlhhQ5TA97qzf3hTkDbca5pos5HLY2Pz8y21UzhQoHow/s1600/IMG_0782.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_pyk2VgT9AVCUQum5M7p5vt4BDqCH3YXQYabJobRVHdzYWOSqzAnOmaGlJBJmFZg8nANTHnHkviPXzLIgyOrTYlXqqrSPlcJlhhQ5TA97qzf3hTkDbca5pos5HLY2Pz8y21UzhQoHow/s400/IMG_0782.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525341250057591890" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Luke and his buddy Rylee trying to fix the vacuum. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NDXg1mdNhDfNSvK6feDxmUYHTO0piaheaJXVYq7DXjZlKfjTIRlR42uF2rvl4o_UJTmXqFzuk4LdXfJo39kOavpl2dyUDYfU-T5vrxVGhPY2g0pWGWN04y41ZKhQNN_Bu0b1ctBwhdM/s1600/IMG_0796.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NDXg1mdNhDfNSvK6feDxmUYHTO0piaheaJXVYq7DXjZlKfjTIRlR42uF2rvl4o_UJTmXqFzuk4LdXfJo39kOavpl2dyUDYfU-T5vrxVGhPY2g0pWGWN04y41ZKhQNN_Bu0b1ctBwhdM/s400/IMG_0796.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525341235941862354" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Luke actually fell asleep in the bathtub once. The tub was empty and he had his feet in the slowly running water. He was playing with his car for a while but then next thing I knew, his eyes were closed. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtEmG5g2QaeZa9tjZKhrRR1l3hHcbgze02PvgtPcTnmJZqWtBIJuyVq_m4xFTPFf_G26V_L4TtQbe1jd3XBTu2WzQdnnHUJVxbVNLSrycXHE8JnM8bM9mayBi2hWSj1g_JzNxHA3niPE/s1600/IMG_0815.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihtEmG5g2QaeZa9tjZKhrRR1l3hHcbgze02PvgtPcTnmJZqWtBIJuyVq_m4xFTPFf_G26V_L4TtQbe1jd3XBTu2WzQdnnHUJVxbVNLSrycXHE8JnM8bM9mayBi2hWSj1g_JzNxHA3niPE/s400/IMG_0815.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525341231203963602" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We went on a trip to Farm Country with some friends and Luke had so much fun he just didn't know what to do with himself. </div><div><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mdXt2O2k_SBZim4sUASmi254wXglhfPSqWH5Wt8zFzStg_qPvF4kJeuHyqcBRHrYSf3RD4GDZ9Qq95C1qGhVOIrbozSe4Az_PvToSMzteZwc1f9gYjWtENmDeZrqSwPar4xVFQexRC8/s1600/IMG_0835.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9mdXt2O2k_SBZim4sUASmi254wXglhfPSqWH5Wt8zFzStg_qPvF4kJeuHyqcBRHrYSf3RD4GDZ9Qq95C1qGhVOIrbozSe4Az_PvToSMzteZwc1f9gYjWtENmDeZrqSwPar4xVFQexRC8/s400/IMG_0835.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525340099360364498" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">We had a new cousin added to the family and Luke loves to hold her when he gets the chance. He points out her toes and her fingers and would poke her eyes if we let him. He'll be a good big brother someday.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP40FUcHD88geo0mf-AujKLu-cfirOPy_eLRk2Jjjr8TPnsC9WemC7URI8ooykP8rkvkhyK0FU6ivQVFC9pOysA4LtXzaBJyHdBwNZW5ZL2etc_DG6jzDvJ_MPPLhv9MjGpM8bo-cljhY/s1600/IMG_0838.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhP40FUcHD88geo0mf-AujKLu-cfirOPy_eLRk2Jjjr8TPnsC9WemC7URI8ooykP8rkvkhyK0FU6ivQVFC9pOysA4LtXzaBJyHdBwNZW5ZL2etc_DG6jzDvJ_MPPLhv9MjGpM8bo-cljhY/s400/IMG_0838.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525340091974409730" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">Dave has a ritual of laying on the ground after he eats dinner. Luke has caught on and will join him sometimes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEY4TOsTiqdiV8yAiFV5qfnbxNGqFQCyKB2U2Zbnwsz7SQV04te6jUFDfFA2l9e-QLS_td7bONljE2ZQlB1S1FD5sOrvRyEVJLnDmVVlQBISPqPennoUXMuBAyEuFGN8-fvxg-BVGWXY/s1600/IMG_0843.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzEY4TOsTiqdiV8yAiFV5qfnbxNGqFQCyKB2U2Zbnwsz7SQV04te6jUFDfFA2l9e-QLS_td7bONljE2ZQlB1S1FD5sOrvRyEVJLnDmVVlQBISPqPennoUXMuBAyEuFGN8-fvxg-BVGWXY/s400/IMG_0843.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525340087806634034" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">I took a trip down to Delta, Utah with my parents for an uncle's retirement dinner. Every time I see my Grandma Hales I plan to take a picture but never do. This time I did. So we have a 4 generation picture now. My grandma, my dad, me, and Luke.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhp1vrYNKoyrGOUyBfANXcWCkBdeEWV0cHeT_JI-rR80yXgYvsU6NtJZQE4C4T_65sQ60QW_sWarsWuuEHKPrhGeARW9lP2rRbksXW6JCvNMZ-f9IODBg0ND8dv7dHMldRRyiYE9DYh6c/s1600/IMG_0851.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhp1vrYNKoyrGOUyBfANXcWCkBdeEWV0cHeT_JI-rR80yXgYvsU6NtJZQE4C4T_65sQ60QW_sWarsWuuEHKPrhGeARW9lP2rRbksXW6JCvNMZ-f9IODBg0ND8dv7dHMldRRyiYE9DYh6c/s400/IMG_0851.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525340084698991026" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">For Family Home Evening the other night we learned about the Armor of God and we dressed Luke up. So there is the Helmet of Salvation, Breastplate of Righteousness, and his Sword of the Spirit.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VyfCUVmczkQt_qmGBmSpo4MUAq2W-u8zqUJ3TlceSOCT4ePYT6mvMrLmO1UvyWdaItmqkXO7i0sYDj9MYF6xEqFKtIJhUSekGGbWmv5n8GSI8lykG18pwhcKI6m5gAcIV6LqKQoVNa8/s1600/IMG_0855.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-VyfCUVmczkQt_qmGBmSpo4MUAq2W-u8zqUJ3TlceSOCT4ePYT6mvMrLmO1UvyWdaItmqkXO7i0sYDj9MYF6xEqFKtIJhUSekGGbWmv5n8GSI8lykG18pwhcKI6m5gAcIV6LqKQoVNa8/s400/IMG_0855.JPG" border="0" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5525340080462793458" /></a><div style="text-align: center;">And we have started a tradition of having smoothies for our Family Home Evening treat. Luke has always loved them but this time he especially did. I can't get it into his mouth fast enough.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">The summer has been fun but I can't wait for Fall! I love the feeling in the air and the upcoming holidays! Hope all is well with you all!</div></div>Brienne Shumwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05589212165897538217noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372172186506259577.post-91785922677936968932010-08-11T01:15:00.005-06:002010-08-11T01:31:27.912-06:00Oregon Trip<div style="text-align: left;">Before we begin, I think it's funny that the only time I have to post on our blog nowadays is at 1:15 in the morning because I can't sleep.</div><div><br /></div><div>Now to the good stuff. We just got back from a trip to Oregon to Dave's sister's house. They live in Beaverton and just got a new house. It made me incredibly excited to have our own house someday, but I have to realize that ours will probably be 1/2 the size of that one. I am excited nonetheless. Quick summary and then to pictures.</div><div><br /></div><div>Day 1 - drove 10 hours to Pendleton, OR. Luke did so much better than I expected. </div><div>Day 2 - drove 4 hours to Beaverton. It might have been shorter but we got lost in Portland. We arrived at the county fair where the family was and participated in the festivities.</div><div>Day 3 - went to church and only lasted through Sacrament meeting because Luke was CRAZY.</div><div>Day 4 - drove 10 minutes to Portland and spent the day with one of my best friends that I haven't seen for 7 years. It was fantastic. </div><div>Day 5 - drove 45 minutes to Mcminnville to see another best friend that I haven't seen in 1 1/2 years. It was also fantastic.</div><div>Day 6 - went to Haag Lake where Luke had a blast. The water wasn't too bad but I had a really hard time walking through the mud and feeling it squish between my toes. I didn't last very long in the water but Dave did and Luke didn't want to be anywhere but in the water.</div><div>Day 7 - went to Cannon Beach. Dave and I can't stand being that close to the ocean and not driving out to see it. We are definitely coast people.</div><div>Day 8 - started the trek home. Stayed at a hotel in Boise. Swam in the pool. Slept in a wonderfully big king size bed.</div><div>Day 9 - finished the trek home. The drive went by much faster than expected. </div><div><br /></div><div>The trip was a fantastic one. There was craziness along with the enjoyment and we are so glad we went.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZQcMbpEPF_awDHgkfW1LrWeP75MHTqFMvbUQ8xUF30J-HqnyUjyYWoMQcMIXYYVnvpPolxaVYqdBLu-H-4gry0u8bruc_trnvJ4Cg0yFped9Mycrp5CFs2I0urENYno-ZpKfe79HsUio/s400/IMG_0718.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK0N9SOrNiCZaCk9ohwbTCA9YC7Drf4BnW-2j5ynaL9MGJbSf9fUF_Z1J0t84unpBkdtSVSMzfXQ2YwLpV5aLul-0eGcjQxwkX58DdPwxBUZuLxJp-vypA0T7iJ1xT4W0gusP1SSbQAKw/s400/IMG_0717.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiCZUIP2GKGT4nqqlkCeVD4aXbmWzUHoBiWlvViNGtnEB36QufCIOSDjtI04ENt8Zg0bQsLw5dhlQ96C1TtBjLvDpselZicZWLn_QNJUy3qTkg2D7CqX92Vyoa1XYhVJgbeQEYYxJ7WIo/s400/IMG_0729.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwIe65jFKBtdlwNADi92vqO19_VnxzICuAhkaYpzxe4GeOWkSc_3vM-p9kF_kB2oK14AuWwvmvJqYgpK317jwkhtZyo0DxipviUa8rpTjGw832eO_IlUjpje-Y5f3YYSJn4g-TPWe4qto/s400/IMG_0737.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_Bq1x2R9RM-8hGKRCP8vlakg3YP4-AAi0sRpGyQz4Gk7eCPg3Kk-Tn6k2xDs7auyltzFHOVAsRAU6_9f_W2r67DuAXeWbzW-Sl36rjq7jTpuNzFm-lZwY_t8ZPgHpBppCCJnZl3mWBbc/s400/IMG_0735.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7EcZ1N0lYmslYf6pEHxNJzuLyGVlzrfGHNFZKIeGfgbrOznk7Xw-0DHDXQ18_IL5VW3TIMnyx1CjId4XJynkPt69mJnAMG1iYR3tGNn-Ex6TjuQ3_iAus0kgcfldECUMO7nWMWE6jD0w/s400/IMG_0739.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAxiMQqfNeKFGKIUIn3PL_Fgyv737eqH-qJu0SCN5151gLwpVljpuQ6VRHqNoId63TU9GnySrXgT7US75RxsBWOMqF5hF0SBCztuXlQoiHtoZ16bARJ3kPWtJbl5-eIileqS_LxMDi9HQ/s400/IMG_0742.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB8ihnl0PQeTx6rHMJYDVnSVqwbPk5bdwSeKKkX9rSEEc-g4_yLtAy5Gzihg5o3L1G0b6rkGjgVYxj1Io-4k83iJeTPbKztFoo8FIkBVbtC8CAlFGx2bvpCqQoENlAPd89it76hNymJbA/s400/IMG_0746.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWl1vqhBTf0-JZe8QuiTsQYP8kPSusVvOZzaaJMwaEwiuyMEYmaBQmjbEOpXyWD5Ie14Sp8jzQCJ8K8ruK7q3WEaozTTLM-JqN-E7chM0XrTFAGEHZTcTQunbBhMVJ0Wwv3BwkFphW1Ec/s400/IMG_0753.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3bXYqsKwGSaKg4C3Z9nzh5zyPFZO6ShnkpALwuX-JAT_Iuc_UpUyqqWaw12WZ1k3WD8ATmBGb2xchpx7jNRWJGiUnxPfYbwjVuPQaEBOQk34Lit5hi3HUNA7WYG6JaqSZry8kf2ZfBEs/s400/IMG_0755.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">We need to move to the coast.</div>Brienne Shumwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05589212165897538217noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372172186506259577.post-75573082309737420572010-07-28T13:54:00.002-06:002010-07-28T13:56:53.116-06:00A Life Change<p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">About a month ago I had a miscarriage. My intent in posting this is not to make everyone feel sorry for me, instead I want to share with everyone the fact that I am incredibly blessed – not because I had a miscarriage, but because it opened my eyes to how blessed I really am. </span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Let me run you through it really fast. It was a Saturday. I was about 9 weeks along when I noticed some blood. I know women who have had miscarriages and, like everyone else, I knew that there was a risk of it happening to me. I knew that it would be sad but I didn’t know just how sad. I was shocked. I told Dave and he was shocked too. I was having slight cramping but nothing compared to the stories of what other women have gone through. I called the midwife and she said it could be the start of a miscarriage or it could be the implantation of the egg in my uterus. There was no way to know for sure until I had an ultrasound which we couldn’t do until Monday. She told me to call on that day and schedule one. But that wasn’t going to be necessary. I continued to bleed lightly through Sunday. I wasn’t going to tell anyone until we knew for sure but my emotions don’t always follow my plans. I just knew that it was a miscarriage. Somehow I had known for a long while. The pregnancy just didn’t feel the same as Luke’s but I was clinging to the hope that everything was normal. In Relief Society that day I couldn’t control my tears. The women sitting next to me, including my mother-in-law thought that I was crying because of the love that I have for my dad (it was Father’s Day). But my mother-in-law knew different and I told her that I had started bleeding the day before. I could feel her love and sorrow without her even saying a word. We had a family party that day. I tried my best to be calm and act normal. I just wanted to get everything over with but my sister-in-law (who has gone through some miscarriages of her own) told me to take everything slowly. She said that it’s a blessing that the process doesn’t take one day because we are forced to go through the grieving process so that we can move on. She told me to let my emotions be what they are – cry if I feel like crying, be alone if I want to be alone, stand up and be strong if I feel like it, talk to somebody when I need to talk. She was a huge blessing and help through the whole process. I have grown closer to her than ever before. The slight cramps were starting to get worse and worse. I asked Dave to give me a blessing on Sunday night and he did. It was beautiful and comforting. It really prepared me mentally for what was going to happen. On Monday morning I woke up and had pretty bad cramps. Similar to how contractions feel in the very beginning. I had to run to the store that morning and while I was there, things got pretty bad. I had to hunch over because the pain was so much worse. I couldn’t get out of there fast enough. Eventually I did. Poor Luke had no idea what was going on – or maybe he did. When I got home I did the first thing I could think to do – I called my mom. She lives in Idaho but that didn’t matter. I needed to talk to my mom. She told me she was coming down (a 3 hour drive) and told me to call the midwife and Marsha (Dave’s mom). So I did. The midwife told me to go to the emergency room and Marsha told me she was coming right over. I then called Dave and sobbed. I was having horrible contractions and couldn’t breathe. He was my support. He talked me through it. He told me that everything was going to be okay. Marsha came, we got in the car and picked up Dave from work and then dropped Luke and Marsha off at her house so we could go to the emergency room. We were there for 4 hours until everything was over. They took lots of blood and charged us lots of money. I was glad when it was over. I bled for the next 2 weeks and cried for about the same. It raised lots of questions as to what happens to babies who are miscarried. Did a Spirit enter the body? Was there a body? Will that baby have another chance at receiving a body? Was that the earthly experience? I have said lots of prayers and had lots of thoughts. But the one thing that stands out in this whole thing is that I know I am incredibly blessed. In the emergency room I realized that Heavenly Father created our bodies to know what to do in the event of something being wrong with a pregnancy. My body knew just what to do with it and did it efficiently. He created our bodies to be able to do this; therefore, He knew that it was going to happen. So, He knows how to comfort me. He knows what I am going through. I have a wonderful and supportive and loving husband. He grieved with me. He lost a baby too. He wrote a song a few nights before it happened called “Goodbye Little One”. It was his way of grieving and processing. I have a precious little boy named Luke. He is a miracle. Every little baby born is a miracle. Babies are born all day long every day, and yet they are still a miracle. Each and every one. I really slowed down since it happened. I don’t try to fill my days with projects to feel productive, but I just sit on the floor and play with Luke. We play outside, we go swimming, we read books, we laugh, we wrestle, we sleep, we hug. I am not so up-tight about the little things. Life is to be enjoyed and not worried about. Dave even said that he’s gotten the “old Brienne” back. I have realized that I have so many supportive and loving friends around me. Whether they are family, friends, or just acquaintances, people care about me. We care about each other. Nobody is ever truly alone. Sometimes it feels that way but if we reached out a little, there is always someone who knows what we are going through. Most of all, I know that Heavenly Father loves me. I know that He has a plan for me. In the blessing Dave said that “it won’t be long before I hold another infant in my arms.” That gave me great comfort. It took me a few days to realize, however, that my time is much different than Heavenly Fathers. I need to be patient and faithful. I need to put my trust in Him and know that my life is in His hands. He loves me and I have nothing to worry about. We will be blessed with more children. I feel it. I’m not grateful to have had a miscarriage, but I am extremely grateful that I have been changed forever. I am grateful for what it has shown me.</span></p> <p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">This is much longer than I meant for it to be. </span></p><p class="MsoNoSpacing" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Luke and I went to a water park yesterday with our friends Aimee and Oaklee. Aimee just found out that she is having a baby boy in December! So exciting! Luke had so much fun at the waterpark and even got his first sunburn. Sweet boy. </span></p>Brienne Shumwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05589212165897538217noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372172186506259577.post-73154719879187123662010-05-11T08:56:00.009-06:002010-05-11T09:47:01.282-06:00I'm not going to say it...<div style="text-align: center;">I am just going to go ahead and skip the part where I mention how long it's been since I have posted (Wow, It's been so long since...), and just get to the good stuff. We have such a fun little boy. Well, I actually have two wonderful boys in my life but for now I will just speak of the little one. He is very verbal and is just dying to talk. When he falls down or he gets mad about something he really sounds like he's complaining in his baby-talk and just goes off on something. He says uh-oh for everything. He will even raise his voice at the end like he is asking a question. <i>Uh-oh? </i>And I taught him how to say <i>whoa.</i> He loves that one too. But right now, his number one love is to watch the birds. As soon as he wakes up in the morning he points out to the window and makes his little chirping sound for a bird. He will just sit and watch and wait so patiently to see them come. I have started, probably much too late, trying to teach him baby sign language. He is extremely interested but hasn't signed anything yet. He has started to quietly roar like a lion and he loves listening to animal sounds. He knows where our candy drawer is and will point to it until I get something out of it. I have to distract him pretty heavily in order to get his attention off of it. He got his fist bloody nose recently. He fell in between two people and hit his nose on Dave's knee.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitjrVM6vrx8VNwqO4x793jGMuHbrXskQpPhjE05ueCjAO0xINc6yb11dAlHYJRSQlVWt_MQHjZi0ZDdWkMJHgo2r6pF3ICxkdQdf_4YkE7Iy6bH3-KI9xSKEO61uN0j5tQ-sC5d8gzH4U/s400/IMG_0472.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisC_jjiwrTtVSWZ0ZCj5KKzP3zMuK6PL4SuWeV_OeFB3qZb9Z-Gw-A1c0PkVQmpEayWDRfjexj9Xu9oIoCxjdIfmARhrphZnlY07AVwgw7DmjDQduhyphenhyphenpjVwpPdByJ5OzvTJT9koonKv5U/s400/IMG_0449.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He <i>loves </i>playing the piano with his daddy</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgACXt4XnXKxcIhnL6PeSjjww6wg_iMWeEXciPqPPeTU6ikfBl9GS7BHRl18iPglFbWJSmHCAvN9vnMnqwctkbPTXAUOz0dSSdt3jsPUA9kTBQVNju83ZiR-MizhPw4Ywyt8lviw0I9on4/s400/IMG_0458.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ6A4TWHAUm6SB4q5KLTVUVl8i3dFqg4vk2EOpG_FNGxbmfDLIFwEZeVAaVjjZHr4ooqYyx_mHEX9COzuKCH5jvQnURPkJ4i4UrkyqpQOFuz6cX1eiNnLClwd95iDwKpNU_a2m8COnWpU/s400/IMG_0465.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He looked so cute in the hat but I hope we didn't instill in him a lifelong dream of having his career at In-n-Out. But maybe we could get free food...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGeM_imsA83cIybtU_8cD3FgfaEnPN74I68-UfJtmv6bodF27f83n-VCQ-0MN-9n-q3Djgd54ypTFuaapPoQDeqf-ALgULuquH2tCd_N7GG6zwN8Y5kZxr5q68VGVhYOiH0UQ_GQafZs8/s400/IMG_0467.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQXgfXlNaFdNzRyGwFVr2IJ8sOKzl_qIkXXOrOayP5pVZA5ALTIezj3i3ECyRdQ8ji2V3KufgDuKYTWInXhXqRbs2AAv9JPwByfSFpboCs9mDknyNqTBnO46-QgQTKYQ29DF1Ds0xQKs/s400/IMG_0477.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Dave recently had his 25th birthday. Luke sure enjoyed the cake.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDzgaDoXAOkcPYM3FDbNmtLB5n6G68ssgaB2gtuJh8Ev3y8-CH2Iwo8JMwQxE-RiPhLL4Qkq3Pdi0nlurd0DgCP6hSkmSHVz8TYG7gBJJ7n_Ur7ZNgNYcIR-fNlyquPgluOFPs425VaIU/s400/IMG_0480.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Look at those cute baby cheeks, and hands, and eyes, and eyelashes, and...well, I just love him.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP8yinV0md2TNOwvb71V6Jq-f5Oi755_lvzWAkHPEyP5FqhcgNi3UYT-GnY5HgRefaiuk_6w7uW8x_LPKmE-_z5qjJY_FGCTeQe_gmn05aCpB4qbDATxRxVyMumrpwVt498Ac_TSnqUJM/s400/IMG_0482.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">I discovered that he likes to wear my shirts because they fit him perfectly. I have to tie it in the back to fit around his neck but other than that, it looks perfect. Eating strawberries and playing in flour.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJzzo8i4w-SyqeBnB_fByBtcyP_IljY018iF1nRMM1RPkv_qCZe9H_5EIvXYCp-IQ0ICQN6kCuhM0lVkv0X-FIKHnC6o02-5pK3CgZzWyHRxD-xov1sURyd_qyYpeDurd-KbjP6-JNGWo/s400/IMG_0453.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Oh the joys of being a kid.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnsWHdNLY6LuLnu0TmcDxoe5DtliRWvd5Jx4S1MHhesNrGZgAT70nipk0hkXWYLNB8ST3r-RR8XbWRh6pknynqLqARSjvqI4YeVrzLS9SvQz8zgNzCquW1ClwfG03hVkls5FWLOgE6OVs/s400/IMG_0488.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Still enjoying daddy's birthday cake. I think Dave had one piece and Luke and I ate the rest.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1BCqyXHcUZ4UDxDmIx0BuqXObbq6xZfOEuZ4N5rZv9UCgSrIXWgeMtaE1HFrqy0tcKc600ci_H91JLhR283rC66cGgB5jRXp0OfvIXijkLjs8CRea_J1VN2un-InJeqsh0h8TrytEwSU/s400/IMG_0492.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha8LQLdFNaqWu_8DDkfCh4t4k0qw_OjqKoX6_M_yk264P9osqnG1f7aTWb8rarusro7KrFSY-TGqjmbWgQAPMy1YOzFLAoWLg9C7lzJOipZ2QAeuJMMs6mnxW4SLMp0PK-L5vYUPy7TN0/s400/IMG_0493.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We had lots of fun dyeing eggs for Easter. We even had a little Easter Egg hunt around the house and Luke had the time of his life. We got it on video.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-qr7kSxkNyQs8wpggWVtU7NbPZ96XXwNyvrt2fUTtJniLwlQW6jnp1imtXFlA8V4Lu0XEJBc7d8Z9NZKMIhSqfg_rx9pyOw3KgJJ-yZBNroiZHhMfslWxzdbNouiHGkEuH5bIsgXPzkY/s400/IMG_0506.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">We discovered that he had filled this water bottle up with baby carrots one at a time. He was so proud of himself.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO-8HQZKJhPNXkdQsw-MLVzfwKnJBwXTu3MBNFz6bvxQRpBrKfhDn3ZVAqoNLEEP2cwj2VSCz2djj9JwqZaeU20DzaOSXRXX79l2zaTPdKbBwS_IZiGZZZ5P8UCX94AqIJWRDgndTdFhE/s400/IMG_0522.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Look how skinny he's getting! It's all the running around.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgotyp5cNqQgDPbtTpXVDQxSkgsYlPwgGK097I82L417HTZGGDKBwQybA_iFkHkTC4dLyih97rhLAs383ql4pY1NCbydqbkwaiTdF2_sfqTDnBC2p9l96yuW4OfD48PuHBYKc1eIZP-43I/s400/IMG_0531.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Speaking of running, Luke loves this pose of his. He will run into the room and strike this pose. Sometimes his legs are so far apart that he can't get up and he has to sit down in order to get back up. And sometimes while striking this pose he holds his hands in the position of holding a guitar. He's our air guitar baby and he hasn't even seen Bill and Ted's Excellent Adventure!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRzcUzMxuw5mazRW7PQLnlLg7G3ZBd5PPqHWz-IO8ogIq-gNmPxKGaHolAus3mnVmk_B9Aw4H6rulBhohRAGooAm10vcBrHhxvXw1sFDixjl7NGWyMgCSWGpwfYdAwm1Fz8-Xn5Nt_VQM/s400/IMG_0536.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">As much as he loves his box of toys, he also loves to get <i>in</i> his box of toys.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2dZY8cYa3Ze4uepLroDgWO1a5qg_zjFHZSURZgvHZNJNiD25N-8kJ46JnWBmg6B4-pU76cK4465thqP5tJbAZKR_bmMiXyMRP0fFuF7iOuULNoBif6nuHhk34tL_JCWhYpUnbUHKnloQ/s400/IMG_0539.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Wants to be just like his daddy.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-ftba4Q-LQ3eW7r0n12zTJGqofWfDfE56BGQVMBgrs_lnWBdCI2l1044rJuzWMBqzJBXakTLHtweVyaPgZIm55uInE400LJnTafvfANp0EZjnoJfbC8xPspbLnkM9-V_-11iQu7mwzs/s400/IMG_0540.JPG" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He doesn't always like to sit <i>on</i> his car. He also likes to lift up the seat and <i>stand in</i> his car.</div><div style="text-align: center;">He also has this adorably cute curl above his neck. It seems like that is the only patch of hair on his head that is growing and as it grows it makes a very cute curl. Hopefully I will get a picture soon.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">And we...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7ZRtR-xmMG0Gf2NrpbhH2W97dKgrIYglZBBKwRZgIZlunkDISt9fuz_GRVmRAcTkmm6pol9falgLKHNvYNavAcGaPugYimOR4rQl7B7EJDbsUo-6D3n-_8o9bsPsZF68u67IOIu5jTl8/s400/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+154copy.jpg" /></div><div style="text-align: center;">are just as happy as ever. Dave finished up the semester with two A-'s and is excited for a summer of no school. He is loving his full-time job and wants to play volleyball every chance he gets. I am just enjoying the busy life of staying home with Luke. I have decided to better my talent of sewing and am currently working on my second skirt. The first one turned out pretty but is <i>skin-tight</i>. Hopefully this second one will be better.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">Happy belated Mother's Day to all!</div>Brienne Shumwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05589212165897538217noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372172186506259577.post-21781201124541856892010-03-05T19:32:00.008-07:002010-03-05T19:57:40.647-07:00A birthday and a vacation<div style="text-align: center;">Luke turned 1! We had a small party at Dave's parents house and Luke enjoyed it. He definitely loved his cake and insisted on having a fork.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mlt7El-Z4ylTSqZQUtJHr7TpR4glE_DxevRicz17qE97FEH9BQE1n6ctfqmpbSBAgSeJkI75qt70asM28bdWGCR2aPFDRwNgVCin07QEZyxildX1c6hyphenhyphenOzukBZJ4-cGVMb5G1SG5RJQ/s1600-h/4396886987_7ea3fe2683_b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1mlt7El-Z4ylTSqZQUtJHr7TpR4glE_DxevRicz17qE97FEH9BQE1n6ctfqmpbSBAgSeJkI75qt70asM28bdWGCR2aPFDRwNgVCin07QEZyxildX1c6hyphenhyphenOzukBZJ4-cGVMb5G1SG5RJQ/s400/4396886987_7ea3fe2683_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445343388395561458" border="0" /></a>Last week we went on vacation! This is seriously our first vacation as a married couple. Besides the driving to California to visit my parents. So it was VERY fun and enjoyable. Dave had a work convention in Las Vegas and when his boss said that Luke and I could go along we jumped at the chance. We stayed two nights in Las Vegas and walked down the strip on the last night. We visited the Bellagio, saw the water show 3 times, let Luke walk around and then shielded our eyes as we ran back to our car. Sin City for real.<br /><div style="text-align: center;"><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvf3xmFjZ46gzFxTUXY_gK-cLiXAsz7z5hDI4M0txzxcVU52vTawloP1CwKcM72fLWIjruwmK2Zn9zgLl99B-g8t0uoE8mf_B4m_JnKwBRcAnTbMMRvfeba6NCC1cAsBKlaU04n5NLDg/s1600-h/4396886199_2c99ab34ff_b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFvf3xmFjZ46gzFxTUXY_gK-cLiXAsz7z5hDI4M0txzxcVU52vTawloP1CwKcM72fLWIjruwmK2Zn9zgLl99B-g8t0uoE8mf_B4m_JnKwBRcAnTbMMRvfeba6NCC1cAsBKlaU04n5NLDg/s400/4396886199_2c99ab34ff_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445344561596924194" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-NrH24h7cLxpCFMWgyVNTWVZ5dAHT849PTPZAMM0xu0Zew2c7jgdY29TIBAjSge37TxVV8iQ7bHIj8Ceddx3v32y4dEYPdGyTv6AfleKbEDnQR0r6YRj4gcdCdp5tAq4mX4eClpUfMg/s1600-h/4397650060_64b5d8bb28_b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJ-NrH24h7cLxpCFMWgyVNTWVZ5dAHT849PTPZAMM0xu0Zew2c7jgdY29TIBAjSge37TxVV8iQ7bHIj8Ceddx3v32y4dEYPdGyTv6AfleKbEDnQR0r6YRj4gcdCdp5tAq4mX4eClpUfMg/s400/4397650060_64b5d8bb28_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445345327320839842" border="0" /></a><br />The day after Dave's convention we made the drive to Southern California. Being so close to the beach made it hard to resist a trip out there. So we got a hotel in Newport Beach that was 1/2 the price of the Hilton in Las Vegas and at least 100 times better. Luke hated the sand at first but cried and cried when it was time to leave.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFe6rZ7pZqMTAfZ1rbbfXt1zkQp4tBblrApsQ7hLkO7b2TjkWIrxIp4lvpWPIHPdb52Oi1XEXVXIq2v3UgffEi76m5QWO5Ih7vmAqkbetHItTtfOYyvLwb5ApC6kYmBHcw9ue3YhsKQy4/s1600-h/4396883863_1e78ba8a51_b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFe6rZ7pZqMTAfZ1rbbfXt1zkQp4tBblrApsQ7hLkO7b2TjkWIrxIp4lvpWPIHPdb52Oi1XEXVXIq2v3UgffEi76m5QWO5Ih7vmAqkbetHItTtfOYyvLwb5ApC6kYmBHcw9ue3YhsKQy4/s400/4396883863_1e78ba8a51_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445347401881158338" border="0" /></a>We went to Hollywood the next day because it was raining on and off and didn't think Luke would enjoy that at the beach very much. We went to the Kodak Theater and the Chinese Theater and paid $8 to park for an hour. You gotta love being a tourist.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmMHcYT6v8C-kOH5S9-ngWDHed9R5eIyFHwSMlLDev0fQH4u3g05GDpIfA3jvMhLfB5gfI_WXTW0IuV9jxqo-dMBfnsrCgAXcAPVxj4HPWUwZRUYIU7yWN2acNiMj7URtYp_6dIasQEE/s1600-h/4397646926_a8a192e3a9_b.jpg"><img style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivmMHcYT6v8C-kOH5S9-ngWDHed9R5eIyFHwSMlLDev0fQH4u3g05GDpIfA3jvMhLfB5gfI_WXTW0IuV9jxqo-dMBfnsrCgAXcAPVxj4HPWUwZRUYIU7yWN2acNiMj7URtYp_6dIasQEE/s400/4397646926_a8a192e3a9_b.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5445348039431211794" border="0" /></a><br />The trip was so much fun. It was quick and we weren't able to spend much time in one place but it was well worth it. We aren't very spontaneous and this trip was extremely spontaneous for us. And we loved it! Luke did great in the car too. Not bad for a 1 year old.<br /><br />Hope all is well with you all!<br /></div>Brienne Shumwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05589212165897538217noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372172186506259577.post-994636683161976952010-01-31T23:07:00.002-07:002010-01-31T23:12:39.801-07:0018 daysLuke will be one year old in 18 days. How is that possible? He has rolled off of one bed (it was a high one), and two couches, has had numerous bumps and bruises, been left once with strangers only to cry for his mom the entire time (the strangers were family members), fallen in his bath twice, had suntan lotion rubbed in his eye, has been sick twice AND he has been kissed billions of times by his mother, held and snuggled after every bump and bruise, squeezed tightly after being left with strangers, and loved so much that it makes me cry. What would I do without him? He is a part of me that I cannot live without. He is my sidekick through my many adventures which include folding the laundry and doing the dishes. We go to battle together when cleaning the house by holding him while I vacuum and sweep (he is secretly scared of them both), and when driving anywhere, I keep an eye on things out the front window while he keeps watch out the back window. We are unstoppable.<br /><br />I love being a mom.Brienne Shumwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05589212165897538217noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372172186506259577.post-75778306606668732672010-01-27T11:32:00.006-07:002010-01-27T12:49:34.355-07:0011 months? Really?I cannot believe it. I know every mom says that "time flies" and they can't believe their little one is so many months old. Well, I join that group of women because <span style="font-size:130%;">I can't believe that Luke is coming up on 1 year.</span> <span style="font-size:130%;">Wow.</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ECtYCCqByn0uGupMsY5MZxocI53mY61dMRGW4Dfb-bp-MA8nviZtCY3BRsgd3I-qj6EgetlyTtSbDnwZrx9ZBfRdpYlCOp1o3lruXgaCQATW_Yyjag4-SMK6nuZnUlfvxLFRw5f52kM/s1600-h/IMG_0325.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_ECtYCCqByn0uGupMsY5MZxocI53mY61dMRGW4Dfb-bp-MA8nviZtCY3BRsgd3I-qj6EgetlyTtSbDnwZrx9ZBfRdpYlCOp1o3lruXgaCQATW_Yyjag4-SMK6nuZnUlfvxLFRw5f52kM/s400/IMG_0325.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431489955641560482" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(He really enjoyed a piece of bread with strawberry jam on it)</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size:100%;">Christmas was a blast! We stayed here with Dave's parents and even spent the night at their house. There's nothing like enjoying the holidays with people that you love.</span><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLi9OrJQYWa_fNi13lDltLyv10EX2UbDIv_yhgHpSDO46gQlbyCnYCwVl2u8B39otS4qKYwjuWnysRQ7o7cXeUqyaEXZLiqCpbrN-5kWQ3tLKteQloAkQ4JLqANX8S2uKlUASlXkfF7iA/s1600-h/IMG_0319.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLi9OrJQYWa_fNi13lDltLyv10EX2UbDIv_yhgHpSDO46gQlbyCnYCwVl2u8B39otS4qKYwjuWnysRQ7o7cXeUqyaEXZLiqCpbrN-5kWQ3tLKteQloAkQ4JLqANX8S2uKlUASlXkfF7iA/s400/IMG_0319.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431504347939879266" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Thanksgiving at my parent's house)<br /><br /></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFaFmHDMwgvSMdSNecgPjyHR2xYBGXWXAO0mpVHnUDTAJbKjAUnmK7t0Gq-_YdluDyWCOLWJb01XEiZKcCxRiE_Y2xyoaUzUz7aXE01T-catQVHnXxw4_zGQ7CPfeRJ4-eEmkxV56aK_Q/s1600-h/IMG_0347.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFaFmHDMwgvSMdSNecgPjyHR2xYBGXWXAO0mpVHnUDTAJbKjAUnmK7t0Gq-_YdluDyWCOLWJb01XEiZKcCxRiE_Y2xyoaUzUz7aXE01T-catQVHnXxw4_zGQ7CPfeRJ4-eEmkxV56aK_Q/s400/IMG_0347.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431505559408514594" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Opening his first present in his special Christmas pajamas with grandma)</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Luke is a walking <span style="font-size:130%;">maniac. <span style="font-size:100%;">Just give him an open space and he will take advantage. Our apartment is small so he doesn't get the chance to do that very often. But when we are at his grandparents house he just walks and walks and walks. Such a cute boy. He weighs 21 lbs and is 31 inches long. His favorite game is to have someone chase after him. The funny thing is that he gets distracted as he is running away from you and has to stop to check out the ball on the ground or the shiny magnet on the fridge until he remembers that he was being chased. It makes me laugh every time.<br /><br /></span></span></span></span><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFNQ5TOYumnX8PZO9hh336Wtpbt61O3mAE1GP6iuuDSLjYUeDxM36aMk7Oz0uxYyIBtmXAcGpPWvfJ9VIeYkicl6OQsP7WAskFUxluPiq-acd7Bpl_5G7tBXko7ln1nvUZqUGpvB7pig/s1600-h/IMG_0349.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcFNQ5TOYumnX8PZO9hh336Wtpbt61O3mAE1GP6iuuDSLjYUeDxM36aMk7Oz0uxYyIBtmXAcGpPWvfJ9VIeYkicl6OQsP7WAskFUxluPiq-acd7Bpl_5G7tBXko7ln1nvUZqUGpvB7pig/s400/IMG_0349.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431505568465151458" border="0" /></a><br />My aunt got Luke this adorable Sunday outfit for Christmas. Unfortunately, he is a rather big boy and didn't fit into the 12 month shirt. We rolled up the sleeves and didn't button up the shirt so that we wouldn't choke him. But we did find another use for the tie. It looks rather cute with a onesie.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoOXQOSIL-nXlJU8FRHUeSvPkhkZZGmhT-kk7fA3O1Z1jJnWWIQ_VmSKFs2pF_400aGy2mson0QrxyUvP4XsfaFJz1Gfwzna2cGEcCbNinUb45aeFbbaKGLl_46p0JXBKbXoeTicS9ws/s1600-h/IMG_0358.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZoOXQOSIL-nXlJU8FRHUeSvPkhkZZGmhT-kk7fA3O1Z1jJnWWIQ_VmSKFs2pF_400aGy2mson0QrxyUvP4XsfaFJz1Gfwzna2cGEcCbNinUb45aeFbbaKGLl_46p0JXBKbXoeTicS9ws/s400/IMG_0358.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5431505579875780898" border="0" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;">(Just another day at the office.)<br /><span style="font-size:100%;">Wow. This picture really makes him more like a little boy than a baby. I don't think I am ready for that yet.<br /><br />OTHER NEWS:<br />Dave got a full-time job on campus at UVU. He loves it and even has his own office. He plays "nooners" basketball on campus as well as with our ward. Luke loves to watch him play and wants so badly to go out and join him on the court. My sister is serving a mission in the Maryland Baltimore mission and I miss her terribly. I am expanding (or discovering) my cooking skills and trying to give Dave more of a variety for dinner. It's fun! But expensive. So I try not to get carried away. I am going to the temple once a week with my friend Aimee (I started last week), and I love it! I am so excited all week long to go again. Dave and I also went last Saturday after quite a while of not going together and it was spectacular. I had an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for baby Luke. He was sent to me specifically to be his mother and Heavenly Father has so much trust in me to take care of this little spirit. What a privilege and joy.<br /><br />He woke up. I am needed elsewhere. Thanks for reading!<br /></span></span></div></div>Brienne Shumwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05589212165897538217noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372172186506259577.post-50456411709659512422009-12-24T00:36:00.002-07:002009-12-24T00:38:19.003-07:00Merry Christmas from the Shumway Family!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_I9j1Lnw-LRLYrDmbwqxIQu6e3Nw_tuWYiRC0F1AGvXq12NYdHzDXzHfmyeZfJTzKF88ZFz22VB6jHmGDH4ZArQj4Ewh_cyWsZUzbE9fSjaP-Kol5UIPwV5V4WA4DF5XqougcPleMd8/s1600-h/christmas+card+2009.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 267px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu_I9j1Lnw-LRLYrDmbwqxIQu6e3Nw_tuWYiRC0F1AGvXq12NYdHzDXzHfmyeZfJTzKF88ZFz22VB6jHmGDH4ZArQj4Ewh_cyWsZUzbE9fSjaP-Kol5UIPwV5V4WA4DF5XqougcPleMd8/s400/christmas+card+2009.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5418703730075403058" /></a>Brienne Shumwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05589212165897538217noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372172186506259577.post-69420754783048793032009-12-11T20:34:00.002-07:002009-12-11T20:36:48.458-07:00Some of Luke's First Steps...<p>We are so excited</p><br /><center><br /><object width="400" height="224"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://www.facebook.com/v/526419311351"><embed src="http://www.facebook.com/v/526419311351" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="400" height="224"></embed></object><br /><br /></center>Brienne Shumwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05589212165897538217noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372172186506259577.post-64704418790952334682009-12-03T22:52:00.007-07:002009-12-03T23:16:40.644-07:00Family Pictures 2009<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJclz7IogFngVXjg-OEN8m2CP-AFpM83bmRyvAXenXV95mdgiHjYzUpCmzaOO7nmm1O79FP1wbtuC3_1QrVqj5o0M33xU4d-kWs6dVSknJSFjA5XRfvj8KoUUcVk1iwDK-pqe1T8jyQ5Y/s1600-h/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+380.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJclz7IogFngVXjg-OEN8m2CP-AFpM83bmRyvAXenXV95mdgiHjYzUpCmzaOO7nmm1O79FP1wbtuC3_1QrVqj5o0M33xU4d-kWs6dVSknJSFjA5XRfvj8KoUUcVk1iwDK-pqe1T8jyQ5Y/s400/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+380.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411259967844807234" border="0" /></a><br />My cousin Natali kindly offered to take our family pictures this year. I think she did a great job and I am so happy that they turned out well. I know there are many, I apologize, but I wanted to put up all of my favorites.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetfbCT4O8jRaPegQZOI3toQGUrYCgTipFDXF7bX1bv_JYY_bDbZ4e0Li6Drixj6r6vk-OJgWIN7J4LEgNH9j1HjDKX939HbZ4ZfCVnwGofxBzO7JunJPjyeTcZJzvKQYXsGHOO_VJ6Ng/s1600-h/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+374.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 337px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhetfbCT4O8jRaPegQZOI3toQGUrYCgTipFDXF7bX1bv_JYY_bDbZ4e0Li6Drixj6r6vk-OJgWIN7J4LEgNH9j1HjDKX939HbZ4ZfCVnwGofxBzO7JunJPjyeTcZJzvKQYXsGHOO_VJ6Ng/s400/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+374.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411259810069687650" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYLHwqomdpLl4pXI0PU9GknGYNSzePsY8fJjGcmVxGmgKLdiOFra3l9rOHsqpjIlOn6ZidJNh_YTLpeENS8R5FKc6otolAd2mErplZDwTCg80mFaxTvsc1v4ASCk0WWgWj4_32L6vBTM/s1600-h/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+296b%26w.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 278px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQYLHwqomdpLl4pXI0PU9GknGYNSzePsY8fJjGcmVxGmgKLdiOFra3l9rOHsqpjIlOn6ZidJNh_YTLpeENS8R5FKc6otolAd2mErplZDwTCg80mFaxTvsc1v4ASCk0WWgWj4_32L6vBTM/s400/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+296b%26w.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411259802386009202" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XCDuKq7qEToZayULesH8Ye8P-mwCfBlLrPWhWkCMXlL4RnF2v0q1IoAfcMnI6vQpEbJGd4JiJQ6IsmKjGC2kjdplBcQiFVTPonnpq3nbHBGEnZZ2HP3KlZasRoIUv3EswB2dD0frmbU/s1600-h/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+218sep.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 265px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1XCDuKq7qEToZayULesH8Ye8P-mwCfBlLrPWhWkCMXlL4RnF2v0q1IoAfcMnI6vQpEbJGd4JiJQ6IsmKjGC2kjdplBcQiFVTPonnpq3nbHBGEnZZ2HP3KlZasRoIUv3EswB2dD0frmbU/s400/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+218sep.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411259798263975954" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXxCCNbnJOYbXl7-77tbR81iYXVhT-nJDYp60ufoex4iPs-1LG5VZ3UA_qA_OJfZbdQyboaVXBkVTaSyG3gXdfwyvwQWXMYTMNjvJH_PDFCn3yofkoypWiL-VPk1l4tkeu9Uuv4AztBM/s1600-h/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+179b%26w.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 270px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxXxCCNbnJOYbXl7-77tbR81iYXVhT-nJDYp60ufoex4iPs-1LG5VZ3UA_qA_OJfZbdQyboaVXBkVTaSyG3gXdfwyvwQWXMYTMNjvJH_PDFCn3yofkoypWiL-VPk1l4tkeu9Uuv4AztBM/s400/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+179b%26w.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411259788474138914" border="0" /></a>Still more...<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxexoroRTSOT6rJplNL7rY2MtPqcVK2OsAO4HCM_rthWrR2aF1Z18Z_9GdypZ0ZwJAW-XcfZrovnq2z-trmz1hC2JC_Q_v_UM4ZGc1N4cdp9FacRYhOsIcws3b_lYht6tqf0avFBmYqo/s1600-h/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+154copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOxexoroRTSOT6rJplNL7rY2MtPqcVK2OsAO4HCM_rthWrR2aF1Z18Z_9GdypZ0ZwJAW-XcfZrovnq2z-trmz1hC2JC_Q_v_UM4ZGc1N4cdp9FacRYhOsIcws3b_lYht6tqf0avFBmYqo/s400/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+154copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411259778635773250" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlL-3uiOroOZiVttErH5VYZpc1IDqLPtNqDklh42muq0NdjRWR3RbJhvXkMoLwKGShvICbbYiv4JdS4umRQSvQ9pca-b_vk3vwd2QpcidHgeHTSliCF3BmEqplIkfFW_XvI4novxcvpk/s1600-h/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+144.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 261px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZlL-3uiOroOZiVttErH5VYZpc1IDqLPtNqDklh42muq0NdjRWR3RbJhvXkMoLwKGShvICbbYiv4JdS4umRQSvQ9pca-b_vk3vwd2QpcidHgeHTSliCF3BmEqplIkfFW_XvI4novxcvpk/s400/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+144.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411258400316963138" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQHDWgw91wrfa29XdRHqeUIRQrgl5vQT9st2GtjSX23e1Ff2D-ckMStvlEPAL_OnRRywmwp1W9h4iyINBeTZKALU_T0hNBA7myXolC0pHCzHLnTvYJP9yDnfDPGO-aeuWsx0CLNCYZNM/s1600-h/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+123copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuQHDWgw91wrfa29XdRHqeUIRQrgl5vQT9st2GtjSX23e1Ff2D-ckMStvlEPAL_OnRRywmwp1W9h4iyINBeTZKALU_T0hNBA7myXolC0pHCzHLnTvYJP9yDnfDPGO-aeuWsx0CLNCYZNM/s400/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+123copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411258390826069298" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzJ5CrF-UGq30IOXUQdgPwxRH4NR-AI6bKL4mXMlwzGsvZ8BjKKxNYUs294A_OBPSu-0LBM2QAXx2kG-TtzTWcz9djRPxfhqNanzf9N6GL2mlHRtoJrY8J61SnNTFsn0Oe2eJNtdIkyE/s1600-h/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+117sep.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 386px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvzJ5CrF-UGq30IOXUQdgPwxRH4NR-AI6bKL4mXMlwzGsvZ8BjKKxNYUs294A_OBPSu-0LBM2QAXx2kG-TtzTWcz9djRPxfhqNanzf9N6GL2mlHRtoJrY8J61SnNTFsn0Oe2eJNtdIkyE/s400/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+117sep.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411258388145954466" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHSqd3e838s73e2lYzvnR-dysfASMYjxJU60WwKkuVjZFTlYwI6BL6bUKUSUzqhyphenhyphenxErIci54TFvPr-LIyHhBgNGUcNeQ4fdD3zAEhnQTR83ifzxQQJZnh0ly6G-gNxxO_rAqGaDFacHY/s1600-h/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+093.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimHSqd3e838s73e2lYzvnR-dysfASMYjxJU60WwKkuVjZFTlYwI6BL6bUKUSUzqhyphenhyphenxErIci54TFvPr-LIyHhBgNGUcNeQ4fdD3zAEhnQTR83ifzxQQJZnh0ly6G-gNxxO_rAqGaDFacHY/s400/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+093.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411258376069422610" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hPJvvRdRfg3gd2Tmlek-2UIGuWS_OFsmI5KGAberYtFbvrpakXnKhYwn2obsy2IHCX_35IC6CKWjfU2SQIN0OrBhdtoErAAeSdSQtEMNC7Ao_Z16VMUYqnbFoLXYC7H1pLjZXJA28ac/s1600-h/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+075copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 265px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3hPJvvRdRfg3gd2Tmlek-2UIGuWS_OFsmI5KGAberYtFbvrpakXnKhYwn2obsy2IHCX_35IC6CKWjfU2SQIN0OrBhdtoErAAeSdSQtEMNC7Ao_Z16VMUYqnbFoLXYC7H1pLjZXJA28ac/s400/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+075copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411258367780852178" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdElu6zDYd9SfOImqq1zTGs0olL_Uv3koDpLFrMJCdeOeZkr2sby_s47zkQOzcl6qNymJ3kiogdEjnEKr_4ulqS_nu9DrzJ1EE0ZE7fvv9ln8IN-MrdAN3KbiRXBPaFG8xzqdtW_0f95A/s1600-h/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+062.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdElu6zDYd9SfOImqq1zTGs0olL_Uv3koDpLFrMJCdeOeZkr2sby_s47zkQOzcl6qNymJ3kiogdEjnEKr_4ulqS_nu9DrzJ1EE0ZE7fvv9ln8IN-MrdAN3KbiRXBPaFG8xzqdtW_0f95A/s400/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+062.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411256970698676306" border="0" /></a><br />And more...<br /><br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjkJmgRAjaluv6iOn3W-iEUSzaLDW9oxhrwWKhtZPP5aypmkayF3No8ZUgcd1oNrfMzLOyza_ft9814sdr-KMoPR3i2WwMuYDZK2UyHD795ibdf3X5L5LholIhQk0-DvV58UIULcldRM/s1600-h/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+055.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 266px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFjkJmgRAjaluv6iOn3W-iEUSzaLDW9oxhrwWKhtZPP5aypmkayF3No8ZUgcd1oNrfMzLOyza_ft9814sdr-KMoPR3i2WwMuYDZK2UyHD795ibdf3X5L5LholIhQk0-DvV58UIULcldRM/s400/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+055.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411256961961112866" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpigibS33RknoL_SKf6Y2-hlk5ElpbC_Oq5x6ELi4QvAPxTMw9j9-DxHUj5PfaABPy9UBziaVTCfFsbbQT5Fm_D7ikER6dEFOF79_wZedkyj-_bboItj-7CcCX_UfAZmk4DcxK77kolvg/s1600-h/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+024.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 299px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpigibS33RknoL_SKf6Y2-hlk5ElpbC_Oq5x6ELi4QvAPxTMw9j9-DxHUj5PfaABPy9UBziaVTCfFsbbQT5Fm_D7ikER6dEFOF79_wZedkyj-_bboItj-7CcCX_UfAZmk4DcxK77kolvg/s400/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+024.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411256955577736434" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifaiR9jihHs7JNawA3P-daQ4mmXdka1gOgTAbhp3cfaIdH9_CQ3jEiL7P0rVx4uHH7Js38uhwL2z-ru6jiXFvg_JFtM8chxQMIo9E7-JozCWrZ9wwXNtcGz8fXyU2ss96xnY6tWKCv1Dc/s1600-h/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+022.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifaiR9jihHs7JNawA3P-daQ4mmXdka1gOgTAbhp3cfaIdH9_CQ3jEiL7P0rVx4uHH7Js38uhwL2z-ru6jiXFvg_JFtM8chxQMIo9E7-JozCWrZ9wwXNtcGz8fXyU2ss96xnY6tWKCv1Dc/s400/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+022.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411256950461541810" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTH7tbOWvrStN5pUwZyV6azgfGhdCQor659ekXdXKd5SECZIS8OcM17uuCXE-EVCj34lTNO-QPv5EHbmSpA7IGBXVBVbQncNpumek7V0bqGcOa5vOK2a7fs-e4BQwFbi0rdirJZYnKm4/s1600-h/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+019copy.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 275px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimTH7tbOWvrStN5pUwZyV6azgfGhdCQor659ekXdXKd5SECZIS8OcM17uuCXE-EVCj34lTNO-QPv5EHbmSpA7IGBXVBVbQncNpumek7V0bqGcOa5vOK2a7fs-e4BQwFbi0rdirJZYnKm4/s400/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+019copy.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411256936486378514" border="0" /></a><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtblJFJUuZPafmbWQ1VtnnStVJyjNPeXaq58a0Dzo5OyPviqxKT-0wbt6d-T5U9xZPlvUSoLmhMjSerx9eIgfRSRr-M2mKJwocjd7tymHhuyMLehK27_N7xkE5rCUShWRa02rKqHuT5zQ/s1600-h/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+016.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 266px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtblJFJUuZPafmbWQ1VtnnStVJyjNPeXaq58a0Dzo5OyPviqxKT-0wbt6d-T5U9xZPlvUSoLmhMjSerx9eIgfRSRr-M2mKJwocjd7tymHhuyMLehK27_N7xkE5rCUShWRa02rKqHuT5zQ/s400/Shoot+11-+Dave+and+Brienne+Family+Shoot+016.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5411255633643664498" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;">We hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving Holiday. I definitely have much to be thankful for and I pray every day that my behavior will reflect my gratitude to my Heavenly Father.<br /></div>Brienne Shumwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05589212165897538217noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6372172186506259577.post-50854180973583325952009-11-12T20:04:00.005-07:002009-11-12T20:52:51.494-07:00Cutie Patootie<div style="text-align: center;">Some fun with the diaper box<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0Gx0o1id9QOlX2ads4IiEaev1j4qrMT8tArO95hhuG9bgdu455m7_8bK_kRXqv71onC4ee614YnZDGEd4riyheOs8FQL0ITxWiBlomdc_8xwsQU2B5KoAvnwM2xNml7JtUbAsA1kpcU/s1600-h/IMG_0310.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiv0Gx0o1id9QOlX2ads4IiEaev1j4qrMT8tArO95hhuG9bgdu455m7_8bK_kRXqv71onC4ee614YnZDGEd4riyheOs8FQL0ITxWiBlomdc_8xwsQU2B5KoAvnwM2xNml7JtUbAsA1kpcU/s400/IMG_0310.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403427919731914594" border="0" /></a><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWcYNtv-PoO4SxkKfWkFWzs5wJKr5xhcaPrzAMnDthVn23wTic25LgVsJFO_dVYyWFRggwjnV0ql2pA_zV-vJfXv3_zYPe65AM4JeJPlpBrs2du3vXlwALFCn6DDTVOldtAti1bjYeVM/s1600-h/IMG_0309.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyWcYNtv-PoO4SxkKfWkFWzs5wJKr5xhcaPrzAMnDthVn23wTic25LgVsJFO_dVYyWFRggwjnV0ql2pA_zV-vJfXv3_zYPe65AM4JeJPlpBrs2du3vXlwALFCn6DDTVOldtAti1bjYeVM/s400/IMG_0309.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403427751194739442" border="0" /></a><br />Dave watched Luke while I went into the temple. My sister went through for the first time and it was great.<br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1K4IF7gNpyLXI0coVtAs5NGAzr6Faw5Q8TAVvXek3e0Bhb655-GEmqZp1gtey7u5pjBW79BEU5CGEUQjAp0yOcjO4IlXluamIHLlBN_ZpsBHk56wVyrXKhC9-APX4NRBR04pKxVB6SI/s1600-h/IMG_0304.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 225px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgl1K4IF7gNpyLXI0coVtAs5NGAzr6Faw5Q8TAVvXek3e0Bhb655-GEmqZp1gtey7u5pjBW79BEU5CGEUQjAp0yOcjO4IlXluamIHLlBN_ZpsBHk56wVyrXKhC9-APX4NRBR04pKxVB6SI/s400/IMG_0304.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403427185198206642" border="0" /></a><br />I think that almost every baby is a pumpkin for their first Halloween.<br /></div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3jUAPJ3h8H2l0oIot0SrBQghuEEyYReDab1_xMWImqQS0SqieLDXtxFPHlmbPlwtcObvQWj4KusQKlHjjwPZPsnUES-yfsxvEWyfEzjkOAbh1EUIj1_a1GDsCWIjI78tCE2qLuFUsOg/s1600-h/IMG_0300.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 225px; height: 400px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEho3jUAPJ3h8H2l0oIot0SrBQghuEEyYReDab1_xMWImqQS0SqieLDXtxFPHlmbPlwtcObvQWj4KusQKlHjjwPZPsnUES-yfsxvEWyfEzjkOAbh1EUIj1_a1GDsCWIjI78tCE2qLuFUsOg/s400/IMG_0300.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5403426615923693074" border="0" /></a>Brienne Shumwayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05589212165897538217noreply@blogger.com2