A Soccer Girl, Mini-Mine, and There's Only ONE Lagoon!

So look...I've gotten a bit behind on the whole 'blogging' deal. I have so many pictures that need to be shown, and so little time to get them ready. I know, I know...whah, whah, whah. Anyway, I've grouped the last of our 'summer' pictures here so now I'm only 6 months behind...But, it's like I always say, 'good things come to those who wait!' And it doesn't get 'gooder' than this!

I have NO IDEA where the fascination with soccer came from. But, Iz was bound and determined this year that she would be playing the sport (if you can call soccer a sport...) I had my reservations, but figured, at the very least, she'd be getting good exercise, right? I truly have nothing against soccer, it's just that my family has had long standing tradition of 'knocking' soccer players, so the idea of my daughter playing the sport took some getting used to. However, after her first game, I was sold. She pranced and flitted around the field for the first few games, having absolutely no concept of what she was doing. But gradually she started 'getting it.' She'd maneuver her way into a play, or actually steal the ball! And then there was game 5 when my baby made a break-a-way move and scored her very first goal. Her victory dance was priceless! She talked about that goal for days. Something that makes her that happy is worth keeping around. So, I guess we're soccer fans now...

We went to Swiss Days this year and came across a booth that sold onesie church shirts and matching daddy/son ties. They. Were. Adorable. We couldn't pass them up! Of course we settled on yellow...daddy's favorite color. That Sunday, Daddy and Jace dressed to impress and they were so darn cute we just had to snap some pics. Just look at my two handsome boys!

The summer days ended with a family trip to Lagoon! Izzy had been to Lagoon before, but this was Jace's first experience with the rides...and he LOVED it as much as his sister. Aside from me freaking a bit about the germs on each ride and insisting on wiping the kids down every 13 seconds, everything else was just peachy. The weather was beautiful, the lines weren't 'too' long, and the kids lasted for the few hours we were there. The only problem Izzy had with the whole excursion was that she was not quite tall enough to ride the White Rollercoaster with her dad...oh well...maybe next year?

The Pre and Post Show

Here we have the fashion show at Grandma Lisa's (the Pre-Show) and the first day of school (the Post Show). Izzy talked about 'mobeling' her clothes MONTHS before school was actually set to start. We started collecting new clothes at the first of the summer, and having to wait until fall to show everyone was like torture for my poor child! What can I say? She's a ham....takes after her dad. She loves the limelight. We love her!

Here are a few of the new school outfits that Izzy 'mobeled' for everyone prior to starting preschool. This is an annual tradition for us now, and Izzy has quite the following. She LOVES the attention...in case you couldn't tell:)

And here we are...posing for the first day of school pictures. It's gotten to the point where Iz has mastered all the standard poses. Now, she tells ME how she'll stand for me to take her picture. What can I say, she loves the camera, and the camera loves her! She also LOVES her preschool. Mrs Addie is a dream. The class is small and Izzy is getting a lot of one on one attention. She's even started reading! I love the things she comes home and tells me about what she's learning. She's growing up too fast. I tell her everyday that she has to stay my baby forever. She replies, "We'll just see about that;)"

From The Mouth Of Babes

I. Don't. Feel. Good. It seems like for the better part of 10 months now, these have been my most frequently spoken words. Though I try not to express them as often as I'd like, I am more than sure that my family tires of hearing them. Problem is, no one truly understands what I feel like but me. Others try. Others empathize. But no one, no one but HIM, truly gets it. And so I stumble through the days and weeks, hoping and praying, smiling and crying, pleading and wondering, when the pain will stop.

Through all of this, I have missed out on a lot of living. I find that I'm not nearly as interested in some of the things I used to be. Social situations are a living nightmare. Light and noise are dulled by ear plugs and dimmers. I try not to get discouraged. I really do. I know that I've let myself slip in many areas. I find my lack of motivation startling at best. My reliance on my Heavenly Father is great. Without him, the reality of falling asleep and never again opening my eyes becomes all too real. But I am weak. And though I beg and plead for answers and help, I often fall short when it comes to doing the simple things He's asked of me. Church. Three hours. Once a week. Not a lot to ask. But on Sunday's I'm so tired. Scott is finally home and I can lay down and rest. And that is all I want to do. Some Sundays the pain truly is too bad for me to go anywhere. Some Sundays I could try a little harder, push through the hurt, and make a better effort. Some Sundays, I just don't care anymore.

Today has been a hard day. This week has been hard. My headaches have been constant, crippling at times, running one into the next. Last night while helping Scott prepare his lesson, I insisted on working in the dark. The light hurts my eyes. How fitting that this weeks Sunday School lesson should be on Job. Job, who was handed one trial after another. Job, who suffered more than any one man should ever be asked to suffer. Job, who never faltered, never waivered , never lost sight of Him, his Savior. It is a remarkable story. And one that leaves me feeling a bit weak and ashamed of myself. Nevertheless, I too know that my Redeemer Liveth. I know without a shadow of a doubt. And I'll never deny that fact.

By eleven today, my headache had pretty much reached it's potential. I'd been walking around turning lights off, and had yet to remove my ear plugs. I was not going to church. When Jace went down, I was going to sleep too. In sleep, I feel no pain. My mom called, asking about my preference in rice for dinner this evening. She really called to see if I was going to church. I know she worries about my attendance. I told her I'd try. I lied. Not even Mom's guilt got to me today. Hurting too much.

As Scott was leaving, he bent over to kiss me goodbye. He didn't offer to find a substitute for me...someone to lead the music. The air was thick and silent between us. My husband, my lover, my friend; the one who understands my pain more than anyone else; who has seen me suffer; he knows I'm sick, he knows I hurt, and still, I can see the pleading in his eyes, "Please try Brianne." When I don't say anything, he tells me he'll find someone to lead. Just like that. No judgement, no criticism, only love and devotion. I should have told him 'no'. I should have said I'd pull myself together and go. But I didn't.

Finally, Izzy comes in to kiss me goodbye. She is a mere 3 inches from my face, stroking it lovingly with her hand. I love her more than life itself. She is my perfect creation. And just as I think she's about to leave, she stops. What she said, I'll never forget. "Mom. You know what would make you feel better? Just getting up and coming to church. If you don't lead the music, everyone will wonder, 'where is Brianne?' I know you hurt mom. I know your head hurts a lot. But if you come to church, Heavenly Father will make it better. He will help you mom. Mom, you should come." What could I say? How could I possibly tell that angel of mine 'no'? Deny my mother? Easy. Deny my husband? Done. Deny my baby girl? My pure, without fault, child of God? Never. In that moment I knew, I knew that my Heavenly Father was using Isabelle as a mouthpiece to speak His will. I saw it. I felt it. And I knew it. What could I do but wordlessly shake my head 'yes'.

And so I am going to get ready for church. I'll put on the minimal amount of makeup, clip my hair up, leave my earplugs in, and make my way to the meeting house. Because Isabelle told me that my Heavenly Father would help me. And I believe her.

Birthday Pics

Here are the latest pictures of Jace and Izzy. Target did a really great job at capturing their little, or big rather, personalities! I know I may be a bit biased, but I think they're the cutest kids on the planet!

Ah, little Bones...well, not really so little:) He's my bigger boy! All grown up and one years old;( He's such a fun baby and his generally always happy. However, he was a bit leery of the photographer at first. Luckily, he warmed up and gave her some of the ole Wetsel charm. His signature look is the tongue out pose along with the scrunched up nose, mouth open, pose! We sure love you Bones!

Here are Izzy's 4 year old pictures. Yes, I know she's really almost 4 1/2, but hey, better late than never! She had so many compliments on her shoes! Gymboree really came through with the dress and shoes. I made her fun hairbow to match. She's such a ham...and she LOVES the camera. Can you tell? Love you baby doll!

Aren't the two of them just adorable! Jace IDOLIZES his sister, and she thinks the world of him. They are sooo cute with each other. Love my two babies:)

Zoobie

We had a day at the Zoo thrown in the midst of things this summer as well. Jace did visit the Zoo last year, at about 4 weeks, but he told me that he didn't remember much about that visit. So, one sunny afternoon we loaded up the kiddos and set out on a family excursion. I'm not sure what Jacer man thought of the sites. Frankly, I think he was equally impressed with the live and pretend animals. Oh well. Izzy had fun pointing out all her favorite animals and rushing us from exhibit to exhibit. I really like the zoo...just sayin...

Birthday Boy

Let's do a little spotlight on Bones now, shall we? Ya'll know Jace's nickname is Bones, right? It started way back when...as a little new born tyke the kid weighed 9'4...skin and Bones:) There ya have it. Bones has just sorta stuck. Anyway, back to the good stuff. Jacer man is growing and changing so much every day! Most noteworthy is the fact that he turned ONE on June 10th! We celebrated in true Baseball fashion. Hotdogs, cracker jacks, big league chew, peanuts, nachos, etc. It was a grand ole take-me-out-to-the-ball game-time! The best part of the whole night was Jace smashing, or should we say 'grand slamming', the cake that grandma Lisa made. Love these pics!

Look Who's All Growed Up

Back in June, ok, really it was like the last part of May, but who's counting, right? So, like I was saying, back at the end of May, my baby girl GRADUATED from preschool. My little girl, all growed up! She looked so smart and sassy sittin there in her white pettiskirt and jean jacket, hair flat ironed that morning. Who is this beauty? I get teary eyed even now as I think about how fast she's growing up. I am ever amazed at the things she learned at preschool this year, and thank Marsha Anderson for all her hard work. It was a great 'first school experience.' I was so proud of her as she sat up big and tall, singing, signing, and spelling the words to all the songs. Here are some of the moments I'll never forget.