So...My Favorite Choc Chip Cookies

Today I'm making cookies with Second Daughter.
She told me today she can't wait until she's old enough to create foods herself :)
She loves being in the kitchen with me and loves to help any way she can.

Today we are making my favorite chocolate chip cookies ever.
There are few things better than a really good chocolate chip cookie.
These are so delicious.
So delicious that I thought I should share the recipe.
I found it on allrecipes years ago, and can no longer find the link.

Best Chocolate Chip Cookies

Ingredients:

1 c butter

1 c white sugar

1 c brown sugar

2 eggs

2 tsp vanilla

3 c flour

1 tsp baking soda

2 tsp hot water

1 tsp salt

2 c semi-sweet choc chips

Preheat over to 350 degrees.  Cream together the butter, white sugar, and brown sugar.  Beat in the eggs one at a time.  Stir in vanilla.  Dissolve baking soda in hot water.  Add to batter along with salt.  Stir in flour, choc chips.  Drop spoonfuls onto greased cookie sheet.  Bake 10 min.


These cookies are so good.
Can't wait to nibble on them with my daughters after school along with a glass of milk.

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So...Laugh 'Til You Cry

Today I made my baby laugh by making fart noises in his face.
He laughed so hard he turned red and shed a few tears.
It was the funniest thing and such a fun moment.
We sat and laughed at each other for a good fifteen minutes.
Really laughed.
It was the best.

Oh how I love this baby.
He brings so much joy into each one of my days.
I get so excited when I see him and he greets me with his huge grin.
There really is nothing better.

I am so thankful for Son.
I am thankful for this precious time in his life.
He is growing so fast and learning new things everyday.
I am thankful to be able to be with him all day and to enjoy each moment of his life.
I am so thankful for the love that I feel from him. 
No matter how crazy a day may be, I know this boy will have lots of smiles, cuddles, headbutts, and laughs to share with me. 
I love that I can give him just what he wants just by holding him close.
It feels good to be needed by my baby.
It feels good to be his mama.

Today I am so thankful for my baby boy.
He is such a gift.



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So...A Weekend Away

Even though Thanksgiving is officially over, there are still a few more days left in this month of gratitude, and I will take advantage.

Today I am thankful for wonderful friends. This weekend reminded me of that more than ever.

We were able to get away for a few days this weekend and head south to visit some of our most favorite people.  It was a very nice, much needed, change of pace and break.  It was so refreshing to get away from the junk in our daily lives that doesn't really matter and enjoy some things that really do - like time with family and dear friends.

We had such a good time visiting, playing, watching movies, playing Minecraft, and hiking in the Valley of Fire.  The kids played like crazy and we loved every minute.

I am so thankful for friends. 
Life-long friends. 
The kind of friends that you can pick up after a year of not seeing each other and it feels like no time has passed at all.  The kind of friends that feel like family.  That you can be yourself around and feel completely comfortable - no judgement, comparison, or competition.  The kind of friends that you can just sit and do nothing together and still have a great time. 
I can't even tell you how much I needed some friend time like this.

I really am so thankful for these wonderful friends of ours - and that they let us come visit them :)

 

 

 

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Monday Memories 031::Mom & Me

November 2011

This time last year we were recovering from our Thanksgiving feast.
This time last year we were weeks away from meeting our first born son.
This time last year the air was crisp and the sun was still warm.
This time last year the leaves were still falling and crunchy under our steps on the ground.
This time last year I was entering my nesting phase.
This time last year I was preparing for a Christmas on the road and checking my lists twice.
This time last year Cousin Andrea took these sweet mom & me photos that I will forever cherish.

Something in me so badly wanted to capture some shots with my girlies and their little brother in my belly.  They turned out so much sweeter than I ever imagined.  I wanted my girlies to have special pictures of just them and their mama.  Perhaps it was part of my maternal insticts - getting everything in order before our new arrival - who knows.  But I am so glad to have these precious moments recorded and that time of our growing family documented.

I am so incredibly blessed.
My family is everything to me.



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So...Sunday Thought

{source}

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So...A Thankful Daughter

First Daughter came home from school with a cut out paper turkey. 
On each feather she wrote things she was thankful for.
This is what she wrote::

::"I am thankful for...My family because they help and support me."
::"I am thankful for...My bed because I can sleep in it every night."
::"I am thankful for...My house because it keeps me warm and dry in the winter snow."
::"I am thankful for...My school because I can learn, read, and listen."

I was so proud, and not surprised, to find this in her backpack.
I am so thankful that she is learning what it means to be grateful and that all of these things truly are blessings in her life.

First Daughter helping me make stuffing.

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So...I Am SO Thankful

Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday.
Family + food + thankful hearts = perfection.

I woke up before the fam to get the turkey in the oven.
The house was quiet and peaceful and I was alone with my thoughts cooking in the kitchen - where I feel at home. 

I thought about my mother.  My wonderful mother.  I thought about all the work she put in to making our home life special, especially around the holidays.  I get my love for cooking yummy food for my family and friends from her.  I think of her often when I'm in the kitchen.  I had no idea the things she did and the effort and planning that is part of holidays and family traditions.  I appreciate her more than ever now that I'm a mom and have that role to fill.

I thought about my family.  My amazing husband and sweet children asleep soundly in their beds.  It is such a blessing to be a part of a family and to be surrounded by people you love and love you back.  It is the greatest blessing.  And an added blessing that we are all healthy and happy and enjoy a pretty comfortable, happy life together.

I thought about this wonderful place that we live.  Our comfortable house.  Friendly, loving, mindful neighbors.  It is a blessing to be surrounded by wonderful people, in a safe community, with incredible opportunities for our children to be involved in great schools, activities, sports, and friendships.  I am so thankful for the friendships we have formed here that has made it a little bit easier to live so far away from family.  I am thankful for people that love us and allow us to love them.  I am thankful for people who inspire, uplift, and are just fun to be around.

I thought about home.  My home in Massachusetts. The setting for the first Thanksgiving and the thankful hearts that came together to celebrate friendship and a plentiful harvest.  I am so thankful for wonderful examples throughout history of kindness and gratitude for this blessed land in which we live.

After I got things going and settled in the kitchen the Daughters and I hit the river trail for a bike ride.  Second Daughter's first trip on the trail on her two-wheeler.  The sun peaked through the rustling leaves and sparkled on the river water.  Ducks waddled their way along the path that we rode on.  Fellow bikers and runners greeted us with "Happy Thanksgiving" and friendly smiles as they passed.  We caught up with two horse riders who let us pet their horses.  The girls were beyond thrilled.  First Daughter dubbed it "the most perfect Thanksgiving activity ever!"

Right now, while I wait for the turkey, the daughters are enjoying some hot chocolate and candy canes, Husband is playing Minecraft, and Son is crawling around the family room babbling at the dog.  Oh how I love being home with my family.

We are excited for family to come in town to eat with us.
We are looking forward to a little Turkey Bowl and Turkey Shoot in our front yard.
We are already anticipating pie with some dear dear friends.

I love this holiday so so much.
I love taking a day to slow down and take a break from the normal business of life.
I love spending a day (or two) preparing a delicious meal together as a family.
I love spending extra time thinking and talking about the things that we are thankful for.

Where are you spending Thanksgiving?
Are you cooking?
What do you do while you wait for the turkey?

Wishing you a turkery-pie-family-fun-nap filled Thanksgiving!


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So...On the Chalkboard



Happy Thanksgiving Everyone!



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So...The Day Before

Happy Thanksgiving Eve everyone!
I think I'm going to love this day.
We plan on staying in our jammies, lounging around the house, and just being together.

Third Daughter is the only one I could get to try this beautiful pomegranite.
She's loving it.  Real fruit snacks!

With the girlies help, I've started preparations for the big dinner tomorrow.  The bread is cubed and veggies chopped ready for stuffing.  Next we will be peeling potatoes for the mashed potatoes - our favorite side dish.  Later we will be baking pies and trying our best not to taste them.

Thanksgiving dinner is my favorite.  To eat and to cook.  I absolutely love cooking holiday food, and I absolutely love cooking for those I love.  It is my favorite.  I love today, and I love tomorrow.

I'm hoping that tomorrow, between basting the turkey and other last minute preparations, we will get in a game of family football or our favorite card game, UNO.  We definitely will be watching the Macey's Thanksgiving Day parade and A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving.  Oh how I love holiday traditions.

And today we officially are breaking out the Christmas music.
We will mostly be listening to this favorite Christmas mix from last year::

Christmas Mix 2011

It's Beginning to Look a lot Like Christmas::Michael Buble
Winter Wonderland::Jewel
The First Noel::NSync
Rudolph the Red Nosed Reindeer::Jack Johnson
God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen/We Three Kings::Barenaked Ladies ft. Sarah McLachlan
Little Drummer Boy::Glee Cast
Christmas Canon::Trans-Siberian Orchestra
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas::Sarah McLachlan
Happy Xmas (War Is Over)::John Lennon
Joy to the World::Jewel
O Come All Ye Faithful::David Archuleta
Silver Bells::Elvis Presley
All I Want for Christmas is You::Michael Buble
Song For a Winter's Night::Sarah McLachlan
Do You Hear What I Hear::Glee Cast
Christmas Song::Dave Matthews
Angels We Have Heard On High::David Archuleta
How Great Thou Art::Carrie Underwood
O Holy Night::NSync
Ave Maria::Jewel
Breath of Heaven::Amy Grant
Silent Night::Boyz II Men


What are you doing today to prepare for Thanksgiving?
Do you have any Thanksgiving traditions?
What is your favorite pie???

Me?  Lemon Meringue all the way.

Today I am thankful that we always have enough to eat, and most of the times more than we need.
We thank God everyday for that blessing.



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So...Where I Am

Today I am thankful for where I am in my life.
I was reading my thankful posts from last November and was overwhelmed with gratitude that I am here not there. 

This time last year I was really struggling.  I was battling feelings of depression.  I was trying desperately to focus on wonderful things in my life that I was thankful for to help pull me out of some pretty dark thoughts.  Those posts remind me of that sadness, but also remind me of the efforts I made.  It is always good to focus on the good.  This I know is true.

I'm so thankful that I am not feeling the same way now.  I am so thankful for that.

I definitely have my share of insecurities, negative thoughts, and sensitivities.
I try really hard to combat that everyday.
Like seriously combat them.
Sometimes they feel like a force stronger than I can hold off.
But I fight really hard, and most days I win.
Some days are more of a struggle than others.
I think this may be a battle that I fight for a really long time. 
Perhaps my whole life.
Maybe most people do...who knows?
But that doesn't really matter.
It's something that I deal with, and something that I am constantly learning from.
It is a trial, but a huge blessing that is strengthening my faith and teaching me to rely on the Lord.

I am so thankful for the growth that has occurred in my life over the past year.
I'm still in the process - I have in no way arrived.
I still feel myself learning and growing all the time.
Honestly, I hope I never stop that progression, even though I know that means more difficult times.
I definitely am not learning perfectly, but I am so thankful for how far I've come.
And I am so thankful for my husband, family, and friends that love me and help me keep my head on straight.
Unconditional love is an incredible blessing.

I am so thankful for the happiness that I feel right now in my life
and all the happiness life has to offer.



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So...Six Week Plan 2::Week 3

Exercise::
Mon = 30 min run/walk on treadmill, 2.5 miles
Tues = pilates at home
Wed = 30 min run on treadmill, 2.8 miles
Thurs = pilates at home
Fri = 30 min run/walk on treadmill, 2.5 miles
Sat = none
Sun = rest

Diet::
I am still not counting my calories. 
I know that if I was it would make a huge difference.
I went to Twilight mid-week with some friends and of course got soda and fast food.  I'm not feeling very committed to no soda and no fast food (obviously) but I am more conscious of it and really have only had it on date nights and girls nights.  That's pretty good.

Success::
I was happy with my exercise.
It wasn't easy - I was sick and my baby was still a bit snotty - but I still got five workouts in.  So I would say that is a big success. 
I absolutely love running and love that I can run.

Confession::
I'm not feeling very confident that I will reach my goal.
And quite frankly, I'm embarrassed that I'm blogging about any of this.
I guess I was hoping it would help motivate me and keep me accountable (which I guess it is a little).
But now I'm just a little embarrassed that I'm not making much progress, I've already given up on two of my goals (no soda and no fast food), and I get embarrassed that I'm even blogging about this.  Like seriously, who even cares?  Yet, I'm doing it anyway...I set a goal and I'm gonna see it through.  Whatever the outcome may be.


Weight Lost:: .6
Total Lost:: 1.2
Left to Lose:: 6.8


Goals for Next Week::
Keep trying.
Keep working out.
Enjoy Thanksgiving.



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So...The Third

Oh how I love this girl.
She brings so much joy into my life.
She is quick to tell me she loves me and giggles at almost everything.
She is so much fun.
She is easily excited and very enthusiastic.
She is confident and kind - and I am amazed by her!
She was my angel baby and is my super sweet three-year-old.
I ask her to stay little forever.
She tells me that when she grows up, she will be my mommy and I will be in her tummy.
Someday I'll explain that to her...
In the mean time, I secretly hope she miraculously stays little forever...

I am so thankful for Third Daughter and love her oh so much.



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So...Just Breathe

Oh man...

Some times I just need to take a deep breath...
And remember that I'm not perfect...
And just relax...

Which sounds silly because I don't even want to be perfect.
I just want to be a good person...and be happy...and be a good mom...and love God.

Yet, there are times and situations that make me more aware of my imperfections.  Somehow I start believing that because I have imperfections I am not a good person, I'm not happy, I'm not a good mom, and I'm just fooling myself.

Why does this happen?
It really doesn't make sense to me.
Sometimes it's just hard to keep perspective.

I've been trying really hard to control my thoughts - not to let myself travel down this road of self-doubt and destructive thoughts revolving around my imperfect human traits.  I've been trying to think positively, speak positively, and live positively.  I've been trying to focus on the good and be grateful.  I've been trying not to complain - especially about the struggles that come along with the incredible blessings in my life.  I've been trying to be more private in my struggles and to rely on prayer and my husband.  Not because I want to hide my imperfections and struggles, but because I really do believe that there is great power in these things. 

I really do believe that our hearts can be changed and that life can be sweeter just by choosing to change our attitude.  I'm still learning a lot about this and trying to figure it all out.

And honestly, I feel like I've been doing pretty good.
I've been making a lot of progress and feeling the positive effects of these efforts.

But man, sometimes it is really hard.
And you know...that's OK.
I am not perfect.
Not even in my efforts.
But I am trying, and that is important.

I don't think we are meant to learn things perfectly the moment we realize what needs to change, where we want to be, or how we want to live.  We learn bit by bit, experience by experience.  Like the scriptures teach, we learn line up line, precept upon precept.

I am feeling this principle to be true so strongly in my life.
I feel myself learning great things little by little, mistake by mistake, success by success, moment by moment. 

Most of the lessons are like tiny little pieces of a huge puzzle.  They don't make much sense alone, but I slowly start to understand as the pieces come together.  Sometimes it's hard to see the whole picture and understand why things are the way they are.  I may find a blue piece that looks like it's part of the water, but it is actually part of the sky.   Even though I may have a picture on a box of what the puzzle will look like at the end, it still can be hard to know where the pieces fit until they start actually fitting together. 

And it is OK.

Just breathe.
And smile.
And live life.
And keep trying.
And be happy.

Every little thing is gonna be alright.
In fact, it will be wonderful.
It feels so good when even just two pieces fit together.



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So...16 Favorites

01::dance parties in the kitchen.
02::hooded sweatshirts.
03::nights starting earlier.
04::thanksgiving dinner (i can't wait!)
05::my baby's smile.
06::midnight showing of Twilight!
07::tradition.
08::friendship.
09::gratitude.
10::saturday swim lessons.
11::midday texts from Husband.
12::flirting.
13::being married to my best friend.
14::going to bed early.
15::cuddling in bed with a journal or a book.
16::date night!

Happy Friday everyone!



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So...We Are Thankful

::we are thankful wall.
::pack of 50 leaves from the dollar store + mailing labels + mirror.
::Son is my favorite right now.  I just can't help it.
::Second Daughter is thankful for Jesus (Jesis - with a backward J)
::and "buchis" (bushes)
::and Dad.
::I'm thankful to be married to my BFF.  Seriously - it's the best.
::Third Daughter wrote her own thankfuls.  She said this one says "Heavenly Father."
::First Daughter was thankful for leaves, trees, grass, spiders, bees - all things of the earth.
::we will feast on T-Day beside this thankful wall.
::we have so much to be thankful for.



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So...A Sunset

Today I am thankful to have witnessed this beautiful sunset::

I am amazed by the beauty of this earth.
It is testimony to me that Heavenly Father is real::that He created this world::that He loves us.

I am thankful for the beautiful area where I live.
I love the open skies that allow us to see colors like these on nights like this.
I love the gorgeous river trail lined with hundred-year-old trees.
I love being able to see the mountains light up while the sun goes down.

And speaking of mountains...if you've never seen mountains like ours in Utah, you must.
I grew up in Boston.
I didn't know what I was missing.

I am also thankful for a warm cozy house to protect us from the cold weather outside.
I love being inside on dark, snowy, chilly evenings by the fire cuddling under a blanket.
It just feels like home.

Tonight I'm off to a Relief Society holiday dinner.
We're having dinner and a program. 
I'm playing Carol of the Bells on my violin.
I get so nervous, but I'm thankful for the chance to play.
Let the festivities begin!

I love this time of year.
I'm all about stretching out these holidays as long as possible.



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So...I Want to Be

I have been thinking a lot recently about a lot of things.
I have been observing the way the Daughters talk to each other, react to each other, and how tolerant (or intolerant) they are with each other.
I want to be the best example and influence I can for them.
I know that is the best way I can teach them.
My actions will speak much louder than my words.

I want to teach them how to be thoughtful, helpful, and kind.
I want to teach them how to be part of the solution not the problem.
I want to teach how to be grateful and to not complain.
I want to teach them how to let things go and forgive.
I want to teach them how to look for the good and give the benefit of the doubt.
I want to teach them how to be loyal and dependable.
I want to teach them how to love and how to serve.

And the conclusion I keep coming to, over and over again, is -
the best way to teach them is to be what I want them to be.
And not just with them.
With everyone.
I know that the girls watch and learn from all my interactions.

I worry that my weaknesses and shortcomings are being learned by our kiddos.
I'm positive I'm not the first or last parent to feel this way.
Sometimes I wish I had been better, and was better now, for their sakes.

But the truth is, being a parent has brought out things in me I didn't even know were there.
I have learned so much about my limitations and abilities in the seven years I've been a parent.
But what greater motivation to learn and improve than for the welfare of my children?

Being a parent is a remarkable experience.
It is such a challenge and such a blessing.

And so I guess my point in all of this is that I'm realizing that something's gotta change inside of me.
These qualities I want so badly to teach my children, and improve on myself, are so much more than actions and words.  They are deep set characteristics that come from a genuine feeling of love for others and desire to do right - which I feel like I have, but I still have some pride and selfishness to weed out of there.  I mean seriously, who doesn't?

So...here's to trying.
Here's to changing for the sake of my children.
Here's to loving others and to becoming a more positive person.
I totally believe people can change.
And I believe these are changes worth making.

And to quote the book I'm reading::
"I'm doing pretty good already, and I'm just at the beginning."



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So...Six Week Plan 2::Week 2

Exercise::
Mon = 40 min run on treadmill, 7 min walk - 4.5 miles
Tues = strength training
Wed = none
Thurs = none
Fri = none
Sat = none
Sun = rest

Sick/teething baby and sick husby put a damper on my exercise routine.
It's totally OK though.  Life happens and there is more to worry about than missing a few days of exercise.  This week is another week!

Diet::
Blew it.
I counted calories on Monday, and then blew it the rest of the week.  Didn't count.  Didn't care.
I'm not really sure why I lacked motivation this week, but I totally did.  I'm just glad I didn't do very much damage!

P.S.  Why do Cheetos taste so good???

Success::
I did not do crack this week.
Huge success.

Confession::
I had soda on date night.
I'm not really sure why.  I didn't crave it.  I didn't need it.  I just wanted it. 
Eh.  It was alright.

Weight Lost:: +.7 (boo)
Total Lost:: .6
Left to Lose:: 7.4


Goals for Next Week::
Get back on the saddle. 
Four more weeks to lose 7.4.
I know it's doable - but definitely not at this rate.



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So...A Resemblance

Son, 8 months old, October 2012

When I took this picture of Son, I immediately thought of the following picture of Second Daughter.

Second Daughter, 6 months old, October 2007

 



When did this baby grow up????
The fact that babies grow up is one of the great tragedies of life.
I mean, I love my kiddos at every stage, but oh how I wish they could stay babies just a little longer.

It's fun seeing the family resemblance in our kiddos.
It's fun to see how the "look" of our family develops with each kid.
It's fun how they all look so different, yet they all look alike.

I love that.

And I think this may be one of my favorite series of pictures taken of any of my kids.
My heart aches when I look at these.
Because I love Second Daughter so much, and because it's so sad that our little babies grow up.
This time in Second Daughter's life went by way too fast and I wasn't ready for that.

Tonight I think I'll take an extra moment or two to soak in our little people just how they are now.
I'll smooch their chubby cheeks, tickle their tummies and toes, nibble on their fingers, cuddle them close, squeeze their little bodies, and whisper "I love you"s into their tiny ears.

I know five years from now I will ache for the babies I have today.



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So...Saturday Night Fever

Remeber how it was 70 degrees the other day?

Well, this is what we woke up to::

A gorgeous fresh thick blanket of white snow. 

Call me crazy, but I love when it snows like this.

 

The kiddos were ready for snow angels and snow ball fights at 7:30 am.

It was quite impressive.

I helped each of them, one by one, dress head-to-toe in snow gear.

I plopped Son in his high chair on the front porch to eat Cheerios while I shovelled the driveway and walkway.

Whenever he got fussy, First Daughter would give him a taste of fresh "clean" snow.

He seemed to love it.

 

The rest of the day was full of the kiddos playing in the snow, with a few hot chocolate breaks.

I got some grocery shopping and lots of cuddles with Son in.

Husband was home with us, which makes Saturdays so awesome.

 

Tonight Husband's at the BYU game.

With all that snow on the bleachers, their bums must be freezing!

I hooked him up with a bunch of hand warmers. 
Hopefully he's actually using them and they are actually helping.

The kiddos and I stayed home for a night in.

First Daughter invited a friend over for a late-over.  A genius substitution for sleepovers.

We had taco soup, watched a couple movies, and then had a dance party.

 

Here's our sassy dance crew::

 

Check out their sweet moves::

 

Son is sleeping away soundly in his crib.

Oh how I love him and wish I was up there cuddling with him...

 

Does anyone else wish weekends lasted longer????

I sure do.

 

 

 

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So...Here Batta Batta

Another Friday night.

My favorite night of the week.

Last Friday Husband and I spent the night at Mountain West Burrito and then the batting cages.  The warm summeresque evening and the batting cages reminded me of days before marriage and four kids.  It was such a fun date.

 

I have only been to the batting cages one other time.  Years ago with Husband before he was my husband.  I don't remember much from that date, but I do remember being scared of the fast ball and hitting very few of them.  This date was much more successful.  I hit almost every one!  Perhaps I have grown a little more confident in my age and was not as distracted trying to impress a boy.  :)

 

Tonight we are going to see the latest 007.

Husband is thrilled.

I am too. 

I get to be with him, and that's my favorite thing to do.

I'm one lucky girl.

 

 

Happy Friday everyone!

 

 

 

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So...A Little Thanks

The other night, out of the blue, First Daughter said, "Thanks for cleaning the kitchen, Mom.  It looks really good."

It was awesome.

Unprompted expressions of gratitude from little people for things like cleaning the house or doing laundry do not happen very often around here.  It amazing how one small, simple sentence can fill me up.  It really meant a lot to me. 
The world, even.

I am so thankful.














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So...These Days

The weather has been incredible in these parts.
It is uncharacteristically warm for this time of year in Utah.
Today its about 70 degrees, the sun is shining, and there is not a cloud in the pretty blue sky.
I know it won't last long, but for now we are enjoying it.

On days like today, Second Daughter will frequently say something like, "today is a perfect day to go to the park!"
She is so full of love for life and enthusiasm.
Sometimes it exhausts me, but most of the time it is contagious.
I am so thankful for Second Daughter and all the wonderful things she brings into our family.

She has such a tender heart and is so very sweet. 
She's tries hard everyday to make good choices. 
She is quick to forgive and eager to laugh and play.
She cares deeply about her relationships, especially within our family. 
Every day she prays that our family will always be together.
She tells me quite frequently that she will never leave me and that she will miss me when she goes to college.
She is my cuddle bug and definitely shows and feels love through physical affection.
She is sensitve and caring.
She has the most amazing memory.
She keeps me on my toes as a mother - keeps me thoughtful and careful about my interactions with my children. 
For this I am thankful, even though some days it is challenging.

I am so very thankful for Second Daughter and all that I am learning by being her mother.
I am learning very important things about love, tolerance, friendship, forgiveness, happiness, and putting the most important things first from her example and from being her mother. 

She is such a special girl and I love her so much.



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So...Voting Day

Today I am so thankful that we live in a democratic country and have the power as a people to vote for our president.  Election day is an exciting day to be an American. 

Me and three of our kiddos made it to the polls today to cast our vote.  I am glad to be a part of this historic day.  And I'm glad the kiddies got a small glimpse of democracy in action.  We are so very blessed to live in this great nation! 

Can't wait to find out the results!
Go Mitt!







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So...Six Week Plan 2::Week 1

Exercise::
Mon = run on treadmill, 3.5 miles
Tues = strength training @ gym
Wed = run on treadmill, 4 miles
Thurs = strength training @ gym
Fri = run on treadmill, 3.5 miles
Sat = rest
Sun = rest

Success::
I feel super successful that I did not have any soda this week.  I didn't even have any on date night.  And it really wasn't that hard!  I felt pretty proud of myself.

I also was pretty proud of my workouts.  I felt really good and really strong all week.  That is the best feeling and so encouraging.

Confession::
I did not count my calories at all week.  Bummer.  I was planning on doing that.  I always have the best success when I count calories. 

I also did crack and have donuts on Halloween and fast food for lunch the next day.  I plead temporary Halloween insanity.  I am a stress eater.  That's all I have to say about that.


Weight Lost::1.3 lb
Total Lost::1.3 lb
Left to Lose::7.7 lb

Goals for Next Week::
Starting today I am counting calories.  We'll see if it helps.  Although 1.3 lb is pretty good!


**Update**
Let me clarify.  I did not actually do crack.  Aunt Sandy, you are hilarious.  Better wording would have been "I cracked."  I came to edit and change it, but it's just too funny I had to leave it.



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So...Full Hands

Today I am thankful for my full hands.

This week Son had his 9 month well check up.  We were able to go in the afternoon when First Daughter was still in school.  It wasn't great timing - right in the middle of naps - but you know, I'm always happy to get things done like doctor's appointments when I'm at least one man (kid) down.

 

The office was not busy.  We were sitting in the waiting room for a few minutes before our appointment, with another young family.  A man and woman were there for their first baby's two week check up.  The mother was standing at the front desk discussing co-payments and the father was sitting by me with his infant daughter sleeping in her car seat.  My kids were all over the place.

 

Second Daughter was talking a mile a minute (like usual) while she rotated from the toys, to me, to the books, to me, to the movie, back to me.  Third Daughter was chatting away to any and every nurse she could find, telling them about her Halloween costume, asking for suckers, telling them about her dreams, and so forth.  Son was sitting on my lap, squawking and flapping away at everything. 

 

We literally were sitting there for five minutes, and all this was going on.

The father turned to me and said, "Wow, you sure have your hands full!"

 

A strong sense of pride fell over me.

Yes, I do have my hands full.

I am mother to these beautiful, wonderful, busy children.
I felt strong.
I felt able.

I felt empowered.

I actually really like it when people comment on me having my hands full.
It's almost like a little bit of validation mixed somewhere inside some sort of compliment.
It's like, "Wow!  Look what you're doing!"
At least that's how I take it.

 

I didn't even tell him about First Daughter at school.

I was married young and we started having children young.

We had four children in six years.

Not entirely "normal" in the world these days, but definitely not uncommon where I live and in the Mormon culture.  All four children were planned.  I'm not exactly surprised at how my life has turned out so far.

 

All of these things being said...

There really isn't anything that prepares you for being a parent.

There's nothing that prepares you for the crazy - the good and the bad. 

And describing motherhood as "busy" is an incredible understatement.

 

But it is the best kind of busy.



I look at my children all the time and think, "How in the world am I your mother?"  Not in a bad way, but in complete amazement.  Being a mother is such an awesome, and incredibly humbling responsibility.

 

Some days it is overwhelming.

Some days it is the best.

Some days I want to run away. 

Some days I want to scream.

Most days I laugh.

A lot of days I cry.

 

It is definitely a struggle, but the type of struggle that you can feel making you stronger - like hiking a mountain, or training for a race, or studying countless hours for a test.  Motherhood pushes me to be a better and stronger woman.

Today again I was told a couple times that I have my hands full.

And on Sundays I for sure feel that.

 

Husband's responsibilities at church make it so I'm pretty much on my own with the kids most of the time we're there.  I am more than happy to take on that responsibility.  It still doesn't change the fact that church can be crazy.  My kids are great kids, but they are not perfect.  And I am not a perfect parent.

 

And so church can sometimes be crazy.

Some Sundays I'm just glad we made it through.  Not all Sundays, but some.

 

Today was a crazy Sunday, but again I felt grateful and empowered with my full hands.

My family means everything to me.

My children fill my life.

They fill my time, my thoughts, my prayers, my heart, and require all of my energy.

Being a mother is definitely not for the faint at heart.

I'm learning to be patient, strong, tolerant, selfless, compassionate, faithful, diligent, consistent, creative, proactive, forgiving, understanding, confidant, humble, flexible, and more.

 

It is a lot.  I do have my hands full.

And I am so thankful that I do.

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