Happy Birthday...

...To ME! Who wishes THEMSELVES a happy birthday? How lame is that??? BUT, I do have a purpose for it today. I am turning 36 years old today, and I have learned lots of wisdom in my "old age" that I would like to share with my friends and family, so here goes:

10. Life is too short to be miserable all the time. Sure, I allow myself to have a "pity party" once in awhile, but then GET OVER IT - I'm missing the good stuff in life if I hang out at that party for too long.

9. When I thought I knew it all and had experienced life to its fullest (at the tender age of 20), I got married. I quickly learned that I didn't know a thing!

8. My parents really aren't all that mean, old, naive, and boring, as I once thought they were. I really adore them, and guess what? I think they are probably two of the wisest people on the planet!

7. My siblings aren't the worlds biggest pain in the neck, as I once thought they were. They are actually pretty cool people that I really, really like to spend time with.

6. Raising children ISN'T the same as what I thought it would be when I would rock my baby dolls to sleep, and tell them to stay in bed and they did it without complaining (unless you were lucky enough to have one of those dolls that made real crying noises).

5. Staying up past midnight isn't fun...it's just exhausting!

4. Married life isn't complete bliss like I thought it would be after watching too many chic flicks. But it is definently worth the effort it takes!!!!! To love and to be loved is the best gift God gave.

3. Making the effort to go to church every Sunday has more eternal rewards than just seeing friends. Chosing the right has more eternal rewards than just making parents happy. Having an "eternal family" has WAY more meaning than I ever thought it could.

2. Bread won't rise if you don't use yeast (Poor Ira had to endure a lot of interesting meals while I was trying to find my way through a recipe).

1. Thirty six is NOT as old as I thought it was when my parents were that age!


I'm pretty wise now that I am about half way through this lifes experience, doncha think? OK, maybe not...there's still lots to be learned. There are many wonderful adventures waiting to be discovered, and I don't want to waste any time. Thank Heaven we have eternity to keep on learning and loving.

Me at one month and 3 years old

My Senior pictures at 18 years old.

LUV the HAIR!!

Things to ponder: What ever happened to that cute, skinny body?

Why I LUV...

BEING A MOMMY!

*wet, sticky kisses
*wide open arms being wrapped tightly around me
*little people climbing into bed with me when they want me to wake up in the morning
*little voices (I love how sweet childrens voices are - when their NOT yelling)
*watching them wave to me when they are supposed to be singing in the primary choir for Mothers Day
*When the baby learns to say, "Mamamamama"
*When my kids come home from school, and the first thing I hear is, "Mom".
*A Smile from a dirty face (preferrably clean face, but dirty works too)
*When I can have a "real" conversation with my older kids
*Small handprints on clean surfaces (I'm not making this up, I really do like this - it is the best thing ever to see a full, small handprint on a window or mirror - luv it!)
*Holding a new baby that I know just left the arms of God
*Singing nursery rhymes and primary songs together
*Having help with picking things up and mowing the lawn
*Being the recipient of homemade gifts and cards
*Having "helpers" to cook and pull weeds (even if it is usually a flower or desired plant that gets pulled instead) :)
*Bright eyes when something new has been learned
*Having someone say over and over again, "Look at me, mom. Look...Look at me"
*Get to read childrens stories
*Having an excuse to get to color with crayons
*Having an excuse to get to play in the little blow-up swimming pool in the yard (can you imagine what the neighbors would think if I didn't have kids, and they saw me playing in it?)
*Buying and playing with baby toys and dolls.
*I have someone to make "Mickey Mouse" pancakes for.
*Hearing from others, or seeing for myself, when my older children are making good choices, and remembering what they have been taught.
*I get to attend dance & piano recitals, and cheer for them in sporting or other events.
*I have someone to hang out at the park, or the lake, or in the mountains with.
*I get to be re-taught the things I learned in school, plus more!
*I have 4 little reasons that I HAVE to get up every day, and stay healthy for, even when I would rather wallow in self pity!
*Those little people who call me "Mom" HAVE A REALLY CUTE DADDY!

This list could go on forever, but I think I covered the important stuff. I am so grateful to have these four children who call me mom. Whenever I get discouraged, and have just had enough of being a mom, I remember the days of tears and prayers and fasting that I would get to have the privilege of having someone call ME "Mommy". That really puts it all into perspective for me. My heart aches for those women who so badly want to be moms, and haven't had that priviledge. I can look back on my experiences now and know that Heavenly Father knows what's best for each of us, and He knows the desires of our hearts. I feel deep gratitude for my family. I Love you guys!

In the Eye of the Beholder

Who says that dandelions are an obnoxious weed? I suppose that is in the eye of the beholder. Look at those beauties! Jarin ventured outside, then came in with his eyes all a-glow and his arm outstretched holding these lovely flowers, "For you, Mom". I love getting "flowers" from my chicklets. My older two have outgrown giving me these lovely, yellow flowers, and it won't be long until Jarin stops giving them to me too. So I will enjoy every flower I can...for as long as I can.

ADDITION: I had to add this after I had already posted the earlier part, Emilie came home from school with a whole huge bouquet of "flowers". Except they were NOT for me! Her Uncle Derrick has had pneumonia, and she brought them home from school for him. Problem is, he lives too far away to give them to him, So reluctantly, she gave them to me instead. And I thought she had outgrown the whole dandelion thing. I'm glad to know that underneath all that growing up she's been doing, that she's still my little girl!

Gardens in Cache Valley are kinda tricky. Can't plant too early, or they'll still freeze, don't wanna plant too late or the seasons not long enough to enjoy the produce. So...these nifty "walls of water" solve the dilemma. I can plant now, and they protect them from the freeze. Each plants own little green house. So this is what I've been up to this week. Not a very big garden, and we keep expanding it a little every year. Before long, it will cover my whole back yard - which isn't too big either! It's a work in progress, but it's enough work for me right now!

Happy...???

It's not anywhere near Halloween, right? Or maybe I'm just way off, it wouldn't be the first time! I make sugar cookies twice a year - Halloween and Valentines - they are too much of a pain! Valentines we were at Disneyland, so no sugar cookies (yah for me!). Jarin wouldn't let me let it go. Ever since Halloween he has been asking me to make "Halloween cookies". Today he asked at just the right time when I was feeling guilt for neglecting my child. Boy they learn young how to pull their parents heart strings. I was busy "working" on the computer (very important stuff you know). He is laying on the floor all alone, just staring at nothing. My guilt starts to set in, then he drops the bombshell. With those big, bright blue eyes, and his "I-love- you -even -if- your -ignoring- me" voice, he asked, "Mom, lets make Halloween cookies". So he finally did it, he broke through and got his Halloween (pumpkin)/Valentines(heart)/Christmas(gingerbread men and stars) /Wedding (SLC temple) cookies. He even made them "Spring" by decorating them in Spring Green frosting...BEAUTIFUL! They didn't taste too bad either if you could get past the green and the billion sprinkles he added. (Don't worry my Big Loser Family...I only had ONE!) So HAPPY... Halloween, Christmas, Valentines, Wedding...SPRING to everyone! And HAPPY day for me to be guilt-free of ignoring my child. But today is a new day...and I'm on the computer...here comes the guilt!...WAIT, it's Saturday...Ira's home to play with them...let my "important" computer work begin!!!

I forgot to mention that Jarin wanted to bring these cookies to his friends house. So we packed up these beauties and delivered them to his friend who accepted them with excitement, while we moms got a chuckle out of them.

It was a proud moment!

An explanation is necessary here I think. Jarin loves "trees" (aka Broccoli). I added this picture to show that I do feed my kiddos a healthy thing once in awhile...even if cookies are the main food group!

Moab Memories

Mine and Ira's annual trip with my parents to Moab has changed into the "Guys Trip" to Moab. I haven't been able to go the last two year with being pregnant and having a new babe. However...next year is MY year boys - your welcome to come, but no more "just the guys"! This year, not many of the men in my family were able to go, just Dad, Shawn, and Ira. So Ira and Shawn brought along their oldest kids. I am so glad that Brayden got to spend some time with his ever-busy dad. They had a great time, and have had many stories to tell.
WARNING: There are SO many pictures on this post, and guess what??...I wasn't even present! I won't mention that I threatened Ira and Brayden with their lives that they better take LOTS of pictures, or else... (I don't know what the "or else" would have been, but they followed through with their end of the bargain!). So let the picture viewing begin! ...

Ira...you promised to get you all back home safe and sound...what's up with this??!

Our macho boys

No explanation necessary...except to say: Yes... that is Ira, and yes...he eventually got out!

Brayden

Ready to roll!

Brayden & Nathan with Grandpa

The whole group at Arches

Brayden & Ira
Shawn with his kids

The whole group

Brayden sliding down the sand dunes

Brayden

Shawn & Dad

Shawn, Tiana & Nathan overlooking Moab

Brayden & Ira overlooking Moab

Bestest Buddies

I witnessed the cutest thing ever today between two bestest buddies, Jarin and Kaylie Johnson. We had just finished Emi's soccer game, and Jarin had taken off his shoes and socks. To walk all the way to the car, he had to either put them back on, or carry them. Of course he chose to carry them. There was just one teency weency problem with this idea. His britches were too big! What does that have to do with shoes and socks you ask? Well, all day he was holding onto the back of his pants trying to keep them up. So when his hands were full of shoes, how was he going to not lose his britches? The solution came when his good friend saw a need. She didn't offer to carry the shoes for him, but she DID hold up his pants for him. Oh I wish I had my camera! They were walking across the parking lot with her holding up the back of his pants so that they wouldn't fall off. Now THAT is a true friend!! This picture was taken last year, but these 4 are bestest buddies.

I was going to end my post there, but the subject has prompted me to thinking. I know...I should quit before I get too deep, I tend to do that too much. But I can't help it, I really want to keep writing about Bestest Buddies.

In my lifetime, I have been so fortunant to have many of those Bestest Buddies. Some of them are part of my life for just a short time, while others have stuck with me for many years. Some have been part of my life since before I can even remember, they have just always been there. Some I am just starting to know, while others I haven't even met yet! I was talking with a lady who recently lost her son, and she commented how it is times like this (tragedies), when you realize just how many friends you have. I hope and pray I never have to go through a tragedy like what she has endured, but isn't it wonderful to know that she didn't have to endure it alone? I get so busy with my family and all my responsibilities, that I am not very good at building those friendships on a daily basis, yet I feel love and concern from those around me even when I don't "hang out" with them much...or ever.

Ira has been really busy this last month with helping with funerals and different things within our ward, and then he's been gone for the weekend, and needless to say...I have been alone alot lately. A sweet friend saw a need to boost my spirits, and she brought lunch to me. That just really made my day! Thanks you know who.

Anyways, that is only one example, and I couldn't possibly list all the kind things that my "bestest buddies" have done for me through my life. And I would dare say that most of them don't even know when they have done an act of kindness. Just simple things like a smile, a compliment, listening...holding up someone elses britches when they can't do it themselves!

Thank Heaven for "bestest buddies"!

(especially the one I married).

9 Months Young

Have you ever tried getting a 9 month old to sit still? Why, oh why didn't I take his 9 month old pictures one week earlier...BEFORE he learned to crawl?! And speaking of 9 months...where has the time gone? I know we all say that...that our kids grow up too fast...but seriously??? Where did the time go? I have to admit that some things with Kamden growing up are alright with me, like...I am enjoying him sleeping through the night, eating solids, entertaining himself some. But 9 months later I am still trying to get used to the idea that he is really here, and that he is really ours. He is such a jewel! A few years ago, I didn't even dare HOPE for TWO children, and here we are with FOUR! I thank Heavenly Father every day for each one of them.

Now back to the "subject" of this entry - my sweet baby boy.

Below is my attempt to take Kam's 9 month pictures.

I would sit him in just the right position, and before I could take a step away and push the button...well, just see for yourself what I was trying to work with!

This one was SO close!...yet so far away. I took probably 50 others just like these!

When I was just about to end our little photo session...THESE!

Whalaa!...Success!!

I love my little guy so much. Kam has such a sweet personality, and is so much fun to watch as he is becoming his own little self.




I love my little "Kam-da Bear"

Simple Joys

My mom and I were talking about an Oprah show that she had seen that was talking about Motherhood. She told me some of the comments made, and we laughed. I commented that Motherhood is one of the hardest things I have ever done, and if people realized JUST how hard it really is, I bet that many, many of them/us would chose another path (I personally would keep on the same path - but that doesn't mean it's the easiest thing I've ever done). Then the next thing I said is the stickler (is that a word?). Anyways...I said, "and there are no rewards in motherhood...at least until your kids are grown up." What a hair-brained thing to say or even think!! I remember when we were expecting our first child, I was visiting with a young stay-at-home mother, and I was telling her how excited I was to get to be a stay-at-home mom. She commented that it isn't all that great UNLESS YOU MAKE it that great. It takes a conscious effort every single day to make it a wonderful experience instead one of drudgery. At that time, I was really surprised, because I could only see through rose-colored glasses. However, it didn't take long until I realized what she meant, and I made it my goal, my challenge, to make motherhood a wonderful experience. I did great with that for awhile, then busier schedules kicked in, and more children arrived, and somewhere along the way routine kicked in instead of spontaneous playfulness and laughter.

Recently I heard this quote (I think it was from the Sunday morning Spoken Word program). "Simple joys are everywhere. All we have to do is notice them." Then the speaker went on to list things like a "clean counter, colors in the leaves, laughter..."

Now that I am noticing, my life is full of simple joys. For example, Jarin's cute way of saying, "I love you mom...SooooooSoooooo much!" Kamdens big bright eyes and the way he waves hi to me when I walk in the room. Emilie's energy and willingness to be so helpful. Braydens bright smile and excitement and willingness to want to talk to his "ancient" mom. Ira's willingness to be such a hard worker, and his desire to want to spend more time with his family. When my dishes are all done, when the laundry is totally caught up (even if it only lasts an hour), the smell of freshly cut grass, the warm sunshine, my kids giggles, my husbands "thank you's", my extended families support to be a healthy family. OK, I'm getting carried away. I could literally add to this list all day and not make a dent in all the simple joys I should be noticing on a daily basis, not just experiencing and then ignoring. There's a word for that, it's called "ingratitude".

My point of this post is to remind myself to notice the Simple Joys in life. They are all around me, and the rewards of motherhood aren't just 20 years down the road, they are everywhere, everyday - NOW.

Ira and Jarin enjoying the Simple Pleasures of the warm spring sun.