5.14.2012

Being a Mother

It is so difficult to put into words the intense emotions that come with being a mother. I feel like I am constantly on a roller coaster vacillating between the most difficult, painful emotions and then the most incredible, joyous ones. Before becoming a mother, I never knew such intense guilt, worry, hurt, joy, pride and love could ever be a part of my being.

I always thought I would know it all and have everything figured out so I could be the best mom one day. Oh I was so naive. Nothing has humbled me more and helped me realize how much I have left to go than raising these three wonderful children. I am grateful every single day for the lessons I am slowly learning from trying to teach another person about life. It has opened my eyes and helped me understand Heavenly Father's plan as I try to explain it to them. I love getting back to the basics with them. It is really so simple but we tend to complicate it in our adult minds. I have come closer to my Savior as I plead and beg constantly to help me from losing my temper one more time, throwing a toy at the wall, or just knowing how to handle situations. I am learning more about the Atonement as I fail every day yet still desire to raise these children in righteousness. I realize more and more that as long as I keep trying, it is enough. Reminds me of this Ensign article you will want to read: Because She is a Mother.

Of course on Mother's Day I think of my own mother. My appreciation for her grows with every passing day since I have become a mother. I think of her incredible example of faith and endurance through trials. I think of the things she taught me such as working hard, putting a smile on my face, having a good attitude, being enough, enjoying life, having fun as a family, being a good friend, being a kind & involved mother, putting myself out of my comfort zone, trying new hobbies, etc. etc. The list goes on and on. And I am so grateful for my grandmothers and other women that went before me and paved the way for me today. I will forever be grateful for their sacrifices.

Remember this? Things have come a long way since then. Jared surprised me with roses and a thoughtful (homemade) card with a picture of my three kiddos on the front. And that little screaming boy from my first mother's day now filled my day with hugs, kisses, back tickles, singing and a flower. I love, love, love being a mother.

Run. Bike. Run

I participated in my first duathlon and I am HOOKED. I always wanted to try a triathlon, but didn't want to get all the gear for three sports just yet. Since I have running and biking gear I stumbled on a wonderful new thing. The weather did not cooperate and my body from head to toe was pretty much numb the entire time. Like seriously tough to lift my legs off the ground when running or shift gears on the bike. But at least it wasn't raining like predicted...

I am a little bummed that I didn't train as hard on the bike. I am just not very comfortable on the road bike yet and was nervous on the downhills and still figuring out the shifting. So I kind of sucked on that part. But, overall I placed 27th out of all the women and 9th in my division. Not too terrible for my first race. My first run was at a 7:47 pace, my bike at only 13.6 mph average (awful!!) and my second run at an 8:44 pace. I already have my eye on two more this summer that I want to do...

In front of transition before the race
 Bringing my bike into transition
 Getting close to the finish
 And closer to the finish...

iPhone Recap

I have been getting lazy. really lazy. with my pictures. It is just so convenient to pull out my phone quickly and take a picture. They really are terrible, but at least leave me with some fun memories.

My grandma has been in the hospital and not doing very well, so my dad flew my sister out for a quick visit It was a bonus for me because I got to spend a tiny bit of time with Heather, Jason & sweet baby Allie.

Jason hasn't been to visit since becoming Cop Joey, so he brought lots of sticker badges that the kids LOVED--even Cole got one!

Allie wasn't too thrilled about Cole and the way he wrestles and eats faces. But she and Elise were little buddies. Elise thinks Allie is her own personal baby.
 Allie likes her too.

 Heather & I always joke about how we are pretty much twins and always think alike. We showed up to church in the same skirt--just different colors. Not too surprising.
 The cute little Young family--oh I miss them!!!

Last week my wonderful sisters-in-law spoiled me with an overnight with no kids. Jared & I stayed out holding hands & wandering the neighborhood until past 8:30pm. Unheard of in our house these days! We slept all night completely uninterrupted and waking refreshed for the first time in 9 1/2 months. I went for a run at the park without pushing a stroller or worrying about hurrying back. What a wonderful little break.

Apparently Cole was amazing although I am pretty sure it is because Jodie is the baby-whisperer. She can calm any baby! Tyler & Cole (the oldest and youngest of the grandkids)--I love this picture

Before picking up Cole, I wanted to take Grey & Elise to do something we can't do with a baby. We picked up their favorite fast food (Subway) and snuck it into the movie theater with some treats and watched Chimpanzee. Although Grey did not like having to share me with his younger sister, we had a wonderful time and I was glad to be able to give them a little bit of attention.

 The reuniting of Cole with the older two was EPIC. :) Grey came to me hours later crying his happy tears and told me he was just so happy to have Cole back and he missed him so much. I love that sweet boy. He is such a great big brother.

5.05.2012

thirty-one candles


My kind of perfect day to celebrate 31 years

A family walk to start the morning
A sweaty, long workout
Snuggling up to the kids reading books
Opening cards that brought tears to my eyes
Pedicures & shopping with my mom
Dinner & a movie with Jared
Phone calls & texts from my favorite people
Flowers on my doorstep
Feeling loved
Facials, massages & plenty of shopping to look forward to
Extending my birthday into a birthday weekend...

I feel so blessed. My life is where I hoped it would be today. I have a loving husband, three wonderful children that I am able to stay home with, and the gospel of Jesus Christ at the center.