BERISH BUNCH

HAPPY NEW YEAR

2012-01-21T22:38:00.000-08:00

I worked on New Years Eve but my memories as a child were : babysitting, sparklers, banging pots and pans, church dances, and lots of shrimp cocktail. I guess I was a pretty good kid. ha ha.

Brayden couldn't keep her eyes open, but she managed to have the biggest "rats nest" in the morning to start the New Year off...:)

PETER PIPER PIZZA

The best ride ride here! Its the motion video one. We did it like 6 times!

This used to be her favorite ride until she experienced the bigger rides. So she tried to make it more exciting and would give me a hi-five every time the ride went around. We were cracking up ALL day being so silly!

OUR LAST FUN OUTING DURING CHRISTMAS BREAK....AT PETER PIPER PIZZA!

Daddy's favorite sport...Golf Lessons begin...

"HOLE IN ONE!"

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"THIS IS WAY TOO MUCH WORK!" ;)

RACE CARS!!

CASTLES AND COASTERS!! THIS GIRL LOVES RIDES!

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CHRISTMAS CHEER!! WORKED ALL THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS, BUT WE SPENT THE NIGHT AT THE BECKSTEAD RESIDENCE AND HAD A WONDERFUL BREAKFAST IN THE MORNING. GIFTS ARE ALWAYS PLENTIFUL AND FAMILY TIME IS THE BEST! WE ALWAYS TRY TO CATCH A FLICK IF WE CAN. MY FAVORITE QUOTE FROM MS. BRAYDEN DURING CHRISTMAS TIME WAS, " MANY KIDS DON'T GET AS MANY PRESENTS AS ME, SOME KIDS GET NONE. BUT THEY CAN HAVE ONE OF MINE...HERE YOU GO!!!"

Happy hubby! He has already started working out with his new toy!

Uncle Bri:)

NEW BASKETBALL HOOP

Best mommy ever. She always makes holidays perfect!

Admiring her favorite new book.

adorable cousin Evey

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

2011-12-22T19:42:00.000-08:00

A Few years have FLOWN by since blogging for many reasons. I sure do miss reflecting on special moments in my life and sharing them with my dear family and friends. I hope to blog more. I am so grateful for so much. My heart is swelling with gratitude.

AND THIS IS ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS!!!

As I look back this year, I feel like I should pinch myself. It was a GOOD, humbling year. I seem to have gotten busier, but in more productive and positive ways. I am thankful for meeting so many new friends through church, Brayden's school, and at her dance/music classes. It has been an absolute joy to meet so many wonderful people and grow closer to my Savior through it all.

THIS YEAR OUR HEARTS WERE TURNED TOWARDS OUR GOOD FRIENDS, THE RAUCH FAMILY. Lil' Emmett, in my arms, swallowed a button battery and has been through so much. Please follow their story, continue to pray with us, and spread button battery awareness. (www.emmettsfight.blogspot.com)

ENJOYING OTHER PLAY DATES TOO. THE HOME-MADE BALL PIT IS ALWAYS A FAV

I believe all of the peace and humility started when my brother GAVE me his car. I really don't know too many people who can say that. I will forever be grateful to my brother for many reasons, but mostly for being my daughters "best buddy", my constant support, and helping us out tremendously. He lives over an hour away and babysits constantly for us. There are no words to express my love and appreciation for him. I will NEVER forget how hard it was to not have a car. I will never take it for granted. Sometimes it feels like I have more than one child with all of our appointments to go to. It sure does make it easier on me.

LOVE HER SILLY PERSONALITY

OUR SUMMER TRIP TO KY TO SEE FRED'S FAM. THIS WAS A BOAT ON THE KY RIVER

Brayden is in her second year of Pre-School in a traditional classroom. She will be 5 yrs old in 3 months. (ahhh! so not cool!) She has the BEST teacher, Mrs. B, who thinks outside of the box to help Brayden progress. At a parent teacher conference Mrs. B said with tears in her eyes how proud she was for the growth she saw. I agree! We are now up to 4 weekly therapies: OT, PT, Speech, and Feeding. I have learned more from these mentors than I could ever imagine. They show their love in so many ways. We appreciate them so much. Music for Brayden has been her passion and we certainly are loving her talents. She will learn to play the piano soon with that beautiful voice of hers.

THIS CONTAGIOUS SMILE WITH ALL OF HER CONTRAPTIONS ON (THE BODY VEST AND AFO BRACES) JUST MAKES ME ADORE MY SPECIAL ANGEL EVEN MORE...

DANCE WAS A LIL' MORE DIFFICULT BUT FUN FOR SURE!

PRACTICING HER BELLS

AND WITH ALL OF THE HUSTLE AND BUSTLE WE ALWAYS FIND TIME TO HAVE FUNNN!

HALLOWEEN THIS YEAR

I found my passion in exercising this year. Even in the disgusting heat, I never gave up. I lost quite a bit of weight and finally was getting the energy and balance I needed. My goal is to keep it up and be in a marathon soon.

TAKING BRAY ON A BIKE RIDE!

I felt like I worked full-time this year :( There was a lot of crazy hours, holidays, and lack of sleep. But I'm so thankful to have a job where I can still spend quality time at home and be there for the most important parts of the day. I am officially a night person. For so many years I was a morning person, but now it is extremely hard to get up every morning. I relied on lemon water with cucumber, vitamins, and the occasional dozing off that I just couldn't help sometimes.

AND I'VE ALWAYS GOT MY LOVE BUG TO KEEP ME ACTIVE. THIS WAS ON THE 4TH OF JULY!

FRED, GRANDPA BERISH, AND BRAY BRAY AT THE AQUARIUM

SO THANKFUL FOR FAMILY!!!!

COUSINS THAT LIVE IN ARIZONA

BERISH COUSINS

PURE JOY WITH GRANDMA!!!

GRANDMA AND GRANDPA BERISH

My husband will be branching out on his own as a Financial Consultant. This is a relief to us because he can be more flexible and not have so much pressure. Along with this comes more expenses, but I think it will definitely be worth it. We shall see ;) I cannot thank my hubby enough for cheerfully watching Bray when they called me in to work, and putting us first all of the time. He is such a hard worker and playful dad. We hope to go on some dates this year. That would be a nice change ;) And we hope to add to the family, either a puppy, or a baby.

THIS COULD BE WHY (BRAYDEN 1 YR OLD)

We feel so fortunate to talk with our family often. For the most part, we are in good health, not struggling much in this economy, and really relying on our faith and knowledge of the gospel to help the Lord guide us. We continue to count our blessings and serve others as much as we can. There is no greater joy.....

Hope the New Year brings you all much happiness!xo

MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!

AND NOW , "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN..PLEASE PUT YOUR HANDS TOGETHER FOR A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS SONG BY BRAAAAYDEN BERISH!!!" ENJOY..

Falling Asleep....on the...

2010-09-07T23:15:00.000-07:00

POTTY!!!! HA HA HA HA!!! This was so classic, I just had to share multiple pics and video.

Bray didn't get her nap today. So we did our usual potty session. Then I left to go check on the soup I was cooking, and when I came back - this is what I found...

And she REALLY did NOT want to get up...

Brayden turns 3 !!!

2010-04-07T11:46:00.000-07:00

My whimsical, talented, overly joyful, pure SWEETHEART!! has turned the BIG THREE!! I keep saying every year she isn't a "BABY" anymore -- and I fear an "adult" is a better way to describe her. ( "whaaaa!") She talks in such big sentences - using words like, "actually", "sure, mom! I'll help you!" telling her teacher... "You're such a good reader!" or her bus driver.... " You're so CUUTE!", and everyone how much she "Loves!" them! I am so proud of her progress. She is still goin to therapy, and we are constantly learning from our fun-lovin girl! I can't keep track of all the funny things she says anymore. I just don't know where she gets it..hmmmmm! The other morning we were swinging, and she said, "Mom, can you turn off the wind please!" And then we took cookies to our new neighbors, and she said, " Okay, can I have the cookies back now!" Just yesterday she ate a piece of chocolate and then said to me, " Oh no! The chocolate has disappeared, I need another one!" She is a total hoot! Cracks me up all of the time! And she never forgets one darn thing. In fact, she has such a good memory, that she will tie together something she remembers to something that is currently happening. Pure GENIOUS!

All month she would tell everyone on the phone," Guess what?! You're going to a birthday party!" That meant, she was going to a party - her own! But when her actual birthday rolled around, I had to work, so I just made her birthday pancakes and gave her a few gifts. It was fun to just spend the morning with her. She was showered with birthday gifts from her Grandparents though. And the following weekend we had a party with her cousins.

Bray Starts Preschool

2010-03-31T09:25:00.000-07:00

I seriously can't believe I am saying that my baby is 3! I am so obsessed with every little thing she does. She is MY WORLD! She has brought me infinite bliss. She's like a butterfly that lands on my nose and tickles me every morning. She's full of sunshine and glow that sheds on everyone she is around. She is a special, "gifted" spirtual angel in certain ways. And I love this gift that I have been blessed with! She is my heart and soul! I could never do enough for her, but she certainly does more for me than I could ask for. I LOVE BRAY BRAY!!!!

Along with being a big girl with a huge vocabulary and lots of stories, comes early pre-school! This was her first week. She is in a class with 9 boys!(YIKES!) And rides home on a huge "REGULAR" school bus, all to herself! Ha Ha! At first I was concerned, but I think it's better because she's not getting overly stimulated! It's just her and Miss Debbie, the bus driver!

Of course the worst part is dropping her off at school in the morning because she has a mini breakdown. But that's why I leave it to my husband to drop her off. (SORRY babe!)She gets therapy at school and goes 4 days a week for 2 and a half hours. So, what does that mean??!! MOMMY GETS SOME ALONE TIME?!!! HUH? What on earth is that? It's been over 4 yrs since I have experienced ANYTHING like this. My alone time has been going to work - and well, that doesn't really count! At this very moment I am sulking in pain because I decided I need to be a free woman! So I started jogging! ( UM HELLO! That takes time - I can't just not exercise for years and then be an olympian athlete in a matter of minutes!Ha!) The aches and pains are good. I feel rejuvenated. The weather has been gorgeous. And it's everything I yearned for. I get so much done without my sweetheart hangin on me all day (bless her heart)! So the TOUGH LOVE of having her in school is paying off in many ways. On the first day of school her teacher told me that Bray kept saying, "okay - school is all done!" She has a way to express things in a sweet manner, but it's comical because it's how she tries to cope with things she doesn't want to do.

We have been busy focusing on potty training and having Bray sleep in her OWN bed! Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. I know I know... can you believe for 3 yrs, this girl has been in bed with us? Sad thing is, I actually miss it! I know we are all sleeping better and it's healthier. I am such a worry wart though.

HOME SWEET HOME!

2010-03-31T09:00:00.000-07:00

We have lots of light coming in. And a lot of tile to make it cool in the summer!

Alas! I am back and excited to fill everyone in on our stressful rollercoaster ride these past few months! It seems like everyone went on FB, but I'm stickin to the blog because it's more personable and I really just want my closest friends and family to be apart of our life!

For those of you who have heard me complaining - or sounding like a broken record - about buying a new house, I am sorry, there will be no more of that! Just to sum it up - we looked for OVER ONE YEAR! ( who does that?!! ) We went through 2 realtors and 2 mortgage companies, and felt like we didn't trust ANYONE! Needless to say, almost everyone in the real estate industry is NOT my friend. I couldn't believe the scams that were going on. We were told to fork out thousands of dollars (SEVERAL) times, even right up to the very second of getting a home. (sure, snap your finger, and pooof...we will just keep forkin out the dough!) That was the most frustrating part. We were hopeful/excited, and then the same night we would be devestated. It went on like this for months. We found a short-sale that FINALLY was accepted the exact time we found the home we ended up buying (go figure!) So - yes, it's such a relief, blessing, and miracle to be in our home! Oh! the pressure, and now that we're here there's lots of new exciting things to worry about... hee heee.. but that's just sarcasm, cuz it's ALL WORTH IT!!

I'm so excited to have SPACE!!! We had toys from wall to wall and were crammed into our tiny, but "homey" quarters in the last place. Now it echos when we talk, and there's so much room to dance around! I LOVE driving into my garage instead of calling the tow company because someone parked in my spot at midnight. I LOVE not having someone do karate above me or play the drums at all hours of the night! I LOVE not carrying groceries up 2 flights of stairs! I love feeling like I can walk to the park safely.(we have such a quiet neighborood with lots of kids too) I'm actually meeting friends instead of running away from creepy people. (it wasn't that bad when we moved in, but it just got worse!) I love doing things for my neighbors instead of locking myself inside all day! Our new address is: 10603 W Desert Star Ln, Peoria, AZ 85382 & Home ph# is 623-251-7338. There's so many new shopping centers, including Wal-Mart, within walking distance. And there's several parks. It's a great community!

I will let you know how the decorating and organizing is coming along! I have no idea where to start! However, I am all unpacked, so that's nice!

"Moo Moo Ma Ma"

2009-11-18T14:31:00.000-08:00

I think Bray is trying to get attention because she officially has her own language. At first it was funny, now I'm wondering when this will stop... Brayden is brilliant. She can read very difficult books, sign a ton of different signs, sound out letters, and talk in complete, clear sentences. But for some reason she has started to talk to us in her own language. Here's a clip...

Even if it's a song she will sing the right tune, but the wrong words. I guess it's just a funny "phase" that's she's going through. Silly Bray!

Oh yah, and she keeps putting her finger in her mouth because her back teeth are coming in.

Goin To Grams....

2009-11-18T13:57:00.000-08:00

Brian went out of town so it was the perfect excuse to head over to my Mom's and hang out with the cousins so we could help a little too!

But shortly after all of these cute pictures and enjoyable time together everything changed. We were outside playing with all of the fun things Grandma has....

when...Brayden threw up all over me. I was so startled I just started crying! I know.. what a whimp! My instinct reactions aren't always the finest! I had never experienced such an abrupt sickness with no warning signs at all. I thought something may have been worse than just an illness because it came out of nowhere. And of course I felt so sorry for my baby. I rushed her into the tub where she proceded to not keep anything down for HOURS :-( And I was so worried about getting Brian's children sick while their parents were gone ( sorry Bri ...) Good thing my Mom was around because she did laundry all day and got lots of medicine. I love how nurturing my mother is. I just laid by my sicky and hoped that I wouldn't catch the evil bug. I was totally concerned about the "swine flu" because we had been notified that kids at her therapy had gotten it. Her fever kept rising...

And by that night she was begging me for food. Oh.. it's so sad when your suffering child just wants some food....but they will throw up, so no way jose! She was getting dehydrated too, so a long sleepless night, we started worrying about that fever! But by the third day....

SHE GOT HER CRACKER and started feeling much better! I was so relieved to say the least! Who knew she would get so excited... awww... ha ha!

State Fair

2009-11-09T10:06:00.000-08:00

The AZ State Fair is not as great as the one in CA, but it's worth doing a fun activity with the fam, and exposing Bray to new things. We had a great time together. How can you pass up chocolate covered bacon, earth worms, scorpions, or all of the fried festivities? Easy.. we happily resisted!

First Pony Ride

Absolutely loved petting the animals

waiting for the ride to come down

So scared after the ride dropped

I'm never in pictures... because I am a much better photographer.. hee hee

perfect day to go

Pumpkin Patch

2009-10-21T15:37:00.001-07:00

We had our first visit to the Pumpkin Patch as a family. What didn't we do??!!!

The baby chicks were her fav!

played in the corn

was scared of the goat at first, but then loved how soft it was

went on the train

And ended the hot day with a cherry snow cone..mmm... can't go wrong with that!

Two and a half years and counting

2009-08-28T11:19:00.000-07:00

My big girl sometimes ACTS like a baby... ha ha. But that's okay, I'll suck it up while I can. She is still very sweet natured and there's something innocent about Brayden. She shares with everyone without us asking..even if it's her favorite treat! She's not around kids much, but when she is she lets them trample all over her and just kisses the heck out of em' !

Her latest phrases are, " Yup.. I sure is!" or as we are walking out the door.. she says, " Don't be carefully !" Huh?? I think she means " Drive carefully! " She also says to her therapists and family members..."Nice to see you!" Lots of full sentences these days.

She recently got her bangs cut for the first time. Well... I accidentally chopped them off a little too short, but it makes her look older I think. I like it. Hopefully I will get better at cutting in the future... ha ha!

We have been actively involved in therapy since we missed a few sessions during vacation. It is so important to stay strong and work as much and possible while Bray is young and growing. I have learned so much recently. I was worried because she has been falling so much more and quite frankly I'm scared she will get hurt badly. I am so thankful for the support I have from family and friends. For some reason I felt emotional this week when I learned Bray may never walk with out some sort of support. And as optimistic and strong as I feel most of the time, I just felt bad for Brayden for a second. I know she doesn't know any different, but I'm worried about her getting teased when she grows up. We will do whatever we can to make her stronger or do surgeries, but maybe it's just the way she's supposed to be. I'm thankful for her spirit that helps me grow continually. We are getting new braces for her and I will put up pics next week when we have them. GOOOOOOO BRAY!! Cha cha cha.... Until then, it's movies and music. Those are her favorite things to do these days.

Best Summer Ever!

2009-08-20T12:14:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone! I have missed blogging! It has been very busy this summer and I feel fortunate that we were able to spend so much time with our family. Where should I begin?

First we went to Pennsylvania to see Fred's family. This was Brayden's first time meeting everyone. It is so beautiful there and it was great to see new baby cousins, visit with Grandma, and indulge in the endless food that is always provided. Fred sucked up golf every waking moment.

Grandpa Berish, Dad & Bray

Grandma Gail & Bray

Great-Grandma Berish, and second cousins with Brayden

A few weeks later we drove with Grandma and Uncle Bob to Bev's house. There's never a dull moment and we love spending time with them. We swam every day and did lots of fun things. UT is so gorgeous and there's so many neat stores. If my husband would let us, I would move there. I feel so safe.

Cousins sleep over

From UT we went to a Resort in Scottsdale, AZ -- thanks to my hard-working hubs! He won a trip through work and we certainly got spoiled. He got to golf a little more while Bray and I floated down the lazy river. It was nice to spend time alone as a family. I had a chance to rejuvenate and count my blessings again. The weather was even nice. It couldn't have been more perfect.

And now... it is back to home sweet home. I am focused on packing - even though we haven't even heard about where we are moving.. ha ha! I'm being REALLY optimistic about this move. We are officially moving to Anthem, and if our prayers are answered.. it will be at the end of October. It feels great to dream and get ideas for our first home. I think by packing slowly it will make things a bit easier. Plus I really want to get rid of clutter. We are waiting on two short-sales that we have put offers on. Will keep you posted :-)

Visit with Katelyn

2009-06-25T15:44:00.000-07:00

"The whole gang...the more the merrier!"

And then the last night Kate and I went to see the play, "Annie" at a community center. It was a blast!

We went on walks and made brownies. It's just fun hanging out with family. We also saw the movie "UP"...and it was the greatest!!

Uncle Bri and Bray Bray

Sweet baby Evey and the infamous...Katelyn

It's so hard to get everyone to smile...

Benji and Katelyn

We went swimming at Grandma's and then to Sunsplash one day. Even grandma went swimming with us, but she would kill me if I posted the pics... ha ha!

We went shopping to Desert Ridge, Scottsdale Fashion, and many more places. I don't think I have shopped that much since before I was married... ha ha!

Awww... I'm so sad that my adorable niece is gone. Katelyn is such a helper, and seriously like a close friend of mine. Since she came by herself it gave us more bonding time. My nieces and nephews grow up so fast and I just want them to know I am ALWAYS here for them. They are so important to me and I just love em' all to pieces.

We had a fun-filled week that's for sure.