in a moment of sincere frustration

Isn't it funny how the past can come creeping back up on us in the best possible sense? This afternoon during the boys mutual nap-time (hallelujah!), I got on Pinterest to see what I've missed in the last week of ignoring the computer. There on the top of my boards was a picture of my Relief Society President from my freshman year in college with a link to her blog, pinned by one of my dear friends, Amelia! I happily clicked the link and dove head first into a sea of optimism and motivation to keep trying! It was nothing short of a metaphorical blanket wrapped around my weary and tired shoulders.

Like all young mothers, I feel the daily tugs from kids, JL, school, church, health, and my own need for five minutes of complete silence. I have moments, sometimes weeks, where I just want to throw my hands up in the air and sit down and sob.

[Today Walter took a red block and pressed it against the hallway wall juuuust hard enough to transfer the paint from one surface to the other. My two-month old coat of paint ruined by red scribbles that won't come off.]

And just like all of those times Mindy randomly stopped by my dorm room, or we ran into each other on campus, she reminded me to keep going. In a post discussing books by the author Linda Eyre, she finished with a quote that I direly needed to hear.

"I'll have to be honest and tell her the whole truth about mothering. When she ask me what to expect, I'll tell her to expect surprises. I'll tell her that mothering is the hardest thing she will ever do, but that it is also much more joyful than even she can fathom.... There is no greater joy in life than that of being a mother. Along with the job description comes not only chauffeur, cook, maid, and drill sergeant, but most importantly, gardener of souls - fertilizer, weeder, waterer, exposer to the light, and then watcher as each seedling grows and becomes it own beautiful self... Truly, motherhood, complete with its valley depths and mountain peaks, is life's most astounding experience!"

I highly recommend any mother of young children to hop on over to Mindy's blog, Busy Bliss. She's got such a contagious enthusiasm for life, and let's be honest, we all need a little boost from time to time. She also has no shame in sharing some of her epic fail moments, i.e. driving over a poopy diaper in the library parking lot.

Silence...

Walter is at his grandparents' for the night. I miss the noise of my first baby through the monitor. He's a snorer.

6 Months!

 

Six months ago I gave birth to a skinny little guy with black curly hair all over his head. Dr. Young took one look at him and said, "I think we have a red head on our hands. And he is going to be a big kid! Just you wait!"

He was right! And I wouldn't trade our non-bitty "Bits" for anything in the world! He is the sunshine of our home and can shut any window of sadness instantly! I feel so blessed to be his mother and cannot wait for another six months of adventures!

Oh, the places you'll go

Right after JL and I got married - almost three years ago - I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia. In the past three years I have given birth to two beautiful boys and suffered a few miscarriages. Right before we found out that we were pregnant with Henry, I made a vow to myself that I would lose 50 lbs so that I could be a healthier, more energetic wife and mother. Also, so that my joints wouldn't ache as much, making me a happier wife and mother. Obviously, that goal got delayed for a healthy pregnancy to bring about another wonderful child to add to our happy chaos. Well, folks. This is my year. I know, I know...New Year's Resolutions are made to be broken. But not this one!!! I am going to take it one day at a time. I am giving myself 365 days to lose 50 lbs. That is a completely realistic 0.136986 lbs per day! I have my goal, I've collected a store of motivation courtesy of Pinterest (although I will always welcome more), and I am on my way! Who needs a new year to start something new?! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So...get on your way! - Dr. Seuss

Merry Christmas

 

As the holiday season fast approaches its end, I find myself amazed at the experiences of this past year. We have definitely felt the hand of our Heavenly Father bless us in our daily endeavors.

JL is still working at Novarad in American Fork. He was recently accepted at WGU and will finish his bachelor's degree there. We are so excited at the opportunity this will provide him to graduate not only with a degree, but also with multiple certifications in his field.

Walter is finally over his milk allergy! He now gobbles up every bit of cheese and ounce of yogurt that enters this house. If only we could work through that pesky meat issue. He is as precocious as ever. We are perpetually entertained by his expanding vocabulary and I thoroughly enjoy explaining the wonders of the world to him. Just yesterday we had a thorough discussion on the differences between dragons and airplanes, both being things that fly up in the sky using wings. He is a Walter through and through and reminds me constantly of my dear father and grandfather. He is the best big brother and Henry adores him.

Henry is struggling with food allergies of his own. He is still allergic to dairy, soy, and corn. However, his world has been changed by the recent introduction of solid foods to his diets. He is cutting his first tooth and knawing on everything in sight. As always, he is the sunshine of our life, and keeps the entire family entertained with his constant giggles of joy.

I am back at BYU finishing my degree through the Independent Study program offered and playing with my boys every chance I get. Currently, I am enjoying my new role as teacher to Walter in our own version of play school. Thank heavens for the internet! We are going vegetarian (in house) at the start of the new year, much to JL's chagrin, so I have been filling my free time with a search for kid friendly vegetarian meals.

Finally, Christmas would not be Christmas without our dear brother and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I have felt his love engulf me time and time again this year as I faced each day. I am so grateful to be a member of His church, and to hear the additional guidance of our prophet, President Thomas Monson. I am grateful for the Holy Ghost and the constant peace that is provided through Him as JL and I have made decisions about our future. I am grateful for each and every one of you and the love and support that you provide to our little family. I wish you all a happy holiday season and a wonderful new year.

Under Construction

Ummm...I will be neglecting this blog for the time being. I'm busy redecorating my home, refinishing furniture, playing with my children, laughing with my sister, and dreaming up fabulous gifts for all of my wonderful friends ( primarily you and baby boy, Chrissylove!) I promise pictures of all of my adventures when I return.

Um...I had a baby

I was on the phone the other morning with my mother (by the way, it is her birthday today and she is awesome so if you know her...tell her how AMAZING she is) and she reminded me that I have completely neglected my blog. As in, I have not announced yet that I gave birth to the little light of our home, Henry Braeden. We call him Baby Bits. (Labor Story and pictures for those who care will be posted shortly.)



Is that not the cutest little guy on the planet? He is twice as cute as Walter was at his age, mostly because he doesn't make grumpy old man faces at us all the time. He's seven weeks tomorrow and already 11 lbs and in 3-6 month clothes. And my favorite part? Even though you can't tell in the picture he has dark red hair that if you catch in the right light makes him look like a flaming red head. I am 200% in love. So is JL.

Walter thinks his baby brother is the coolest thing. He gives him kisses all day long and is constantly looking for him. He walks around the house saying, "Baby Beets." and "Oh Beets." Our friend Amanda made the very astute and correct observation that Walter sounds British when he says it. One day I'll get it on video. It is. HILARIOUS.

We're still getting back into the routine of things since his arrival. Finding our balance as a couple and a family. What always amazes me is how someone so small can have such a HUGE impact on your life, instantly. One second they weren't there and the next it's as if you've known them all eternity. Hopefully we will have hit our stride before JL starts school in a few weeks and things get really crazy around here.