My motherly thoughts

Watching Brianna grow up is bittersweet. Lately there has been lots of talk (on her end) of what it will be like when she's older. I see the excitement and wonder in her eyes but my heart aches. 

I no longer am "all knowing" in her mind. I've been hearing a lot of "I know that" or "that's not right, you're wrong". I can only  guess what my mom felt when I started saying these kinds of things. It's hard to swallow as a mom. I love watching her learn and grow but at the same time it reminds me that she won't stay little forever. I can see the struggle that faces her daily of wanting to do things someone older would do and then doing things younger girls do. I of course am silently trying to guide her to the younger girl choices.  

She is still my sweet girl despite the eye rolls and the occasional sassiness. I hope that she will feel confident with herself, that she won't follow the crowd or worry about what others think. I hope and pray that she will make good choices with whatever comes her way. 

When I stop and think about her getting older, I hope that I (meaning Kalen & I) will have prepared her for the world. That she will see the good around her instead of the bad. That she will love unconditionally. That she will share her light with those around her. That she will be a loyal friend. That others will be drawn towards her because she is different and stands up for what she believes in. 

Being a mom is the hardest thing I've ever done. It's not a 8-5 job. It's constant. I never thought that I would worry so much about another as I do my kids. 

I hope that my girls know how much I love and adore them. I'm so grateful that I am their mother. While my "job" is not valued by the world as a worthy job, it is one of the most important ones I've ever had. I pray I can do it well. 

So here's to rolling with the punches (not literally) and trying not to laugh at my eye rolling queen, tantrum drama queen and baby that needs to be physically touching me ALL the time (is there a queen for that?). I'm grateful for my sweet girls. This isn't the easiest job, but it can and has been the most rewarding job I've done in my life so far.

Feeling emotional tonight. Grateful for my family. Missing Dylan. Standing in awe of how wonderful my kids are and how blessed I am. 

Have you missed me???

I say it time and time again, I know. I truly mean to blog often but life has a certain way of not allowing me to do that. I guess that's a good thing that I am busy. There are still so many things that I need to do or that I'd like to do.

Summer was a whirlwind. Lots of fun family day trips. We made a "Bjurstrom Summer Bucket List". Some of the activities were REALLY easy. Other's required some planning. I think one of my favorite day trips was trying to go to Muir Woods. Brianna had been begging to go. We loaded up in the car and headed out. By the time we got to Muir Woods, trying to park was INSANE! I circled a few times. I was even willing to park along the road. It wasn't meant for that day, I guess. So we continued to 2 beaches that day. Memories were made and we had LOTS and LOTS of fun. My mom (aka Grandma) was pulled over by Isabella when a big waved crashed into them. It was funny. (I'm pretty sure though that my mom didn't think so).

This is literally right before a huge wave soaked them.

Here are a few more pictures from that day.

We decided the week after our first try to go to Muir Woods that we would try again, but this time leave earlier and we could circle the parking lots a few times. It was much less busy the second day we tried. I was about to give up but I knew Brianna REALLY wanted to go, so I went to the front parking lot one more time. Just as I was pulling into the entrance I saw a car pulling out. YAY!!! Brianna would get her wish of going to Muir Woods. It was fun walking around and admiring the beauty that was there. 

After we went to Muir Woods, we went on to see the Golden Gate, did the paddle boats on Stow Lake, went to the Japanese Tea Garden and then checked out "The Full House" house. Brianna loves that show. I could tell she was bummed that it wasn't exactly like the TV show, but she was still pretty excited. It was a great day (despite getting stuck in horrible San Francisco traffic on the way home).

Summer was pretty laid back here at our house. Although we had the bucket list, the girls mainly wanted to swim at my parents house. It's nice they are so close, that way the girls can go swim while Sophia was napping and I got some quiet time. YAY for quiet time!

School is back in full swing. We have a 4th grader and a preschooler. When did this happen??? I feel like my life is flying by and my children are growing up WAY to fast. I am really trying to enjoy the moments, even the not so great ones (i.e. teething infant, tantrums and 9 year old emotions).

This past weekend, I attended a Women's Conference, called Time Out for Women through Deseret Book. You can check out their website here. I was able to go with my mom, my best friend and my friend's mom. It was wonderful taking time for myself and listening to the wonderful speakers. I came home with checklist of things I want to try, change or eliminate. Kalen was awesome with watching the girls, keeping the house clean and entertaining the girls. I'm grateful that he was willing to watch our girls so I could go and be uplifted. I can't wait for next year!

Well Sophia just woke up from her nap and I have dinner to make. While this wasn't the most awesome post, it was a little snippet into what our summer was like. I'm really ready for fall or at least cooler weather. It was in the 100's over the weekend and it's MISERABLE! Here's to cooler weather, leaves changing colors, sweaters and apples!

What was your favorite thing this past summer???