Bunch of Brumbaughs

Saturday, February 26, 2011

A little farther Flashback: Emma turned 10

Think WAY BACK to September 19th!!

Emma and Allie took a cake decorating class for Emma's Birthday!!

Emma worked hard on her cake!!

We had A LOT of cake!!
Emma can't wait until her next birthday!!

Flashback: Lloyd had a Birthday!!

Lloyd had a Birthday shout Hooray!!

Emily surprised him this day...

The kids didn't know so it worked out grand...

A new iPhone completed the plan!!

Flashback: Reuben turned 6

Reuben turned 6 on December 30th.

He chose a SuperHero Party Theme with friends!!

Every SuperHero needs a secret identity!!

Weighing in and muscle measurement

Testing SuperHero skills

Finding the Villain

Our own very happy SuperHero!!

Friday, February 25, 2011

Lessons Learned

I was talking with a friend the other day who is struggling with postpartum.

During the course of the conversation she said,

"Though I would never wish what happened to you on anyone it sure seems like you learned a lot."

I don't think I have done a post on the lessons/changes I am able to recognize

which came from the past two years.

So, this is my attempt....in no specific order

I am back in school
Forgiveness of others and myself
Acceptance of situations beyond my control
Perspective, I really belief the ultimate worse situation would be to have my family torn apart
Total reliance on the Lord
Change of course, I feel like I am on a completely different path a better path.
I have tasted "bitter" and now the "sweet"
Regain/gain trust in myself
Appreciate the blessing of children
Knowledge of how to help Allie and Jackson
Found peace at living in Michigan
Learned how to pray for enemies - a huge blessing of the atonement.
Better marriage - I can't tell you how many times I heard... "I can't believe your marriage lasted through this." I didn't have a bad marriage before but it is better.
Empathy to help others
Testimony of Visiting Teaching
Divine institution of presidencies (I was primary president at the time. I was blessed with an amazing presidency.)
Self-care: mental and physical
Role of the Holy Ghost in the Godhead
Tolerance: this goes for many different things on many different levels

Most of these lessons have a story behind them. Some have a very long story behind them. There have been wounds, some I am not sure will heal, but time helps in understanding the blessings and miracles. I guess what I am trying to say is I wish I could have learned these things a different way but at the same time I am grateful to have learned them. I hope the lessons can stick because I really don't look forward to "refresher" courses.

Sunday, February 20, 2011

Gingerbread Houses: Christmas 2010

The Heslop side of the family has a tradition of going to Grandma and Grandad's house to decorate gingerbread houses. Well, we decided to wait for the gingerbread houses to go on clearance and join in the fun!!

Christmas Morning 2010

A and E loved Christmas. They are growing out of the toy phase. E wanted Aussie shampoo and conditioner, what an easy wish to fill. A wanted an iPod touch, camera, and a laptop, sadly A didn't get her wish list filled.

J and R were thrilled with Playmobil pirates, and a train set. It is all about the swords and weapons for those two.

N got a kitchenette mom found last year on clearance. Mom had a hard time not spoiling this little one. It is easy to find toys little girls will love!