The Day I Was Grateful for Freedom

My friend teaches in the UAE.  She posted this link on her facebook page.  I scanned it and am so grateful I don't have to be stealth about my freedoms.  I am grateful to live in this country, flawed as it is.  I see how women are suppressed in other lands and am so glad that if our government even considered doing anything remotely like they do across the ocean, there would be a civil uprising like you have never seen in the history of the world.  I once tried on a burka and couldn't wait to get it off.  I'm not claustrophobic, but being in the full length black gown and headdress with only my eyes visible, I felt oppressed.  I am grateful that my boys are taught that women and men are equal.

So, here's to equality.

Here's to freedom.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Dad

This is my Dad.  He's 81 today (this picture is only a few years old - looks pretty good, huh?).  This man means to world to me and I hope he has a wonderful birthday.  He has really made me the person I am today (you hear that, Dad, I'm so stubborn because of you :) ).  He not the perfect dad, but he's the perfect dad for me and I'm so glad my mom found him.  I still think about what my dad would think of the decisions I make and I want to please him even though I know he'll always be proud of me.

So, here's to my great example.

Here's to a great year.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Safety

No.2 was jolted awake a couple nights ago during a huge, and close, thunder storm.  He'd been okay with thunder before, but this one was just too close I guess.  Well, we had another storm tonight (hello, Spring).  Mr. took this picture as I was already in bed.  He said No.2 stayed, shivering, behind his arm for about an hour while the storm went over our house.

Mr. just continued to assure No.2 that he was safe and allowed him to bury his face in Mr.'s sleeve.

So, here's to comforting.

Here's to safety.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.  (or in this case, a Better Daddy He)

The Day I Was Grateful for Sleep

No.2 was just so sweet snuggled up to his "Bacon" tonight, I couldn't help but take a picture.  He'll be down to join us in a few hours and my sleep will be interrupted like it has been almost every night for the last 2 and a half years, but I will give up those seconds of sleep to cuddle my little man like he does his Bacon.

So, here's to silent nights.

Here's to soft cuddles.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Jam

No.1 thought Friday was Mother's Day because of the Muffins with Mom at school.  That morning he brought me one piece of bread, spread with the jam he made, and a heart cut our of the center.  I thanked him for it and told him Mother's Day was actually Sunday.  He told me he had a plan:  since he brought me one piece Friday, he would bring me two Saturday, and three Sunday.  He stuck to his plan.  I love this boy.  He really is giving and thoughtful.  He oftentimes teaches me more about selflessness than I could ever teach him. Yes, the strawberry freezer jam gave me a sugar jolt each morning, but I loved every bite.

So, here's to sweet boys.

Here's to heart-y bread.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Restaurants

Because tomorrow is Mother's Day, I had my boys take me out to dinner tonight.  I have learned that among all the things I need to teach my boys (husband included), I need to teach them how to treat their mother/wife.  We tried a new place, sort of a dive on the outside, but well reviewed and it was pretty good.  I loved the special drink the waiter made for the boys.  I am just glad I didn't have to cook.  I've really been craving pasta and this Italian restaurant hit the spot.

So, here's to no cooking.

Here's to letting my boys pamper me.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Muffins

No.1's teacher, independent from the other 1st grade teachers, held a special Mother's Day Muffins with Mom in her classroom.  She had a beautiful spread of delicious (and huge) muffins, fruit, and juice.  All the children made paper flowers, a thumbprint necklace, and a hand print flower for their moms.  (No.1 wouldn't give me a good smile.)

It was a sweet morning.  This is why we love his teacher so much.

So, here's to moms.

Here's to sweet memories.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Books

Well, I'm grateful No.2 wanted to read, but not so grateful to put all 150+ books away on his shelves.  Still, I'm glad he loves book so much.  I'm not a great example of reading for my boys.  Not that I don't enjoy a good book now and again, but I'm always doing things, I don't make time to read that often so my boys don't see me reading.  I have some friends who's kid's noses are always stuck in a book, but so are their parent's.  I love the idea of being a book family, but I fear that if it ever happened, our house would fall apart.  Still, I know I need to have my children see me reading more often.  I read to them daily, and they enjoy that, but they also need to see that you can have good quiet time alone with a book, too.

So, here's to more turned pages.

Here's to making time to read.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Greateful for Pens

I already shared that this week is Teacher Appreciation Week.  When thinking of gifts to make, I tried to stay away from Pinterest as I'm sure all the other student's moms were on that site looking for ideas.  I was pretty proud of myself for this one.  :)  Simple, useful, and sort of clever.  I'm sure someone else has also thought of this, but it was new to me.  Anyway, I love Sharpies and use them a lot in scrapbooking and just around the house in general.  I hope No.1's teacher's will get some use out of these colorful pens.

So, here's to making things permanent.

Here's to using my brain.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Teachers

This week is Teacher Appreciation Week.  No.1 has 2 teachers (classroom and gifted) so I/we made little gifts to hand out each day.  I was a teacher and I know how wonderful it is to be recognized.  I hope his teachers enjoy their gifts.

Mon:  Cowboy Cookie Mix in a Jar
Tues: Extra Gum
Wed:  Sharpie Pens
Thurs:  Strawberry Jam (No.1 is making it)
 Fri:  Tic-Tac's and a special crayon melt and card for his classroom teacher

I like getting No.1 involved with these sorts of things.  It teaches gratitude.  I am grateful for No.1's teachers and that No.1 is so excited to give them gifts each day.

So, here's to showing gratitude.

Here's to our teachers.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Scissors

This morning, I called Mr. and left a message on his phone that I was taking No.2 to get a hair cut and not to freak out when he got home.  Mr. wants to keep No.2's hair long and shaggy.  When No.2 had cute curls, it made sense and was cute, but his curls are all but completely gone now and I'm tired of constantly brushing his hair out of his eyes.  So, I took No.2 to the hair salon (paid $20, but it's worth it because I have no idea how to cut his hair - it's full of calics), and I told the lady to do what she thought best.  She did a wonderful job and my little baby was transformed into a little boy.  Sure, I miss the baby look, but he'll be 3 in a few months.  It was time. 

So, here's to growing up.

Here's to little boy cuts.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Plans

Our banisters on our front steps are falling apart (Mr. says the builder didn't use treated wood).  We've been pretty diligent at priming and painting yearly, but last year we realized the whole thing just needs to be replaced.  Yesterday, after all our work was done, we went to Lowe's and priced wood vs. pvc.  Today, Mr. made a decision:  wood.  It will be cheaper and match the rails along the porch.  So, now we have a plan.  We can budget and prepare the steps and hopefully we will have new railings by the end of June.

So, here's to making plans.

Here's to following through.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Helpers

"Saturday is a special day..."  These boys were excited to get down and dirty with Mr. in preparing Mr.'s tomato and pepper pots.  I had errands to run for church and left the guys to it.  Sure, they got in the way sometimes, but that they were willing to and wanted to help outweighed the little intrusions.  When I got home, all the pots were ready for planting.

I am grateful we have a garden (the pots and a bit plot in the backyard).  I grew up with a garden and know it helped teach me the value of hard work.  I see too many kids who have no responsibilities and they consequently have a gimme-gimme attitude.  I hope that through giving my little helpers chores and having them help in the garden each year, they will become hard workers.

So, here's to helping hands.

Here's to fruits of our labors.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Parking Lots

No.2 decided to turn my kitchen, right below my sink, into a parking lot for his trucks.  I stepped over and around them as I cleaned up the kitchen.  I couldn't help but smile at it all, though.  I love that No.2 is imaginative.  I read a friends post about her son being to smart to play make-believe.  But I'm so glad my boys are smart enough to play make-believe.

So, here's to pretending.

Here's to playing along.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for May

Happy May Day!  It's here.  There's no doubt about it.  It's Spring.  I love this time of year.  Planting gardens, green grass and tress, sunshine, playing outside.  I hope I can muster the energy to do all the things Spring begs us to do (future No.3 is really giving me a run for my money).  Still, I'm grateful for every moment of Spring!

So, here's to energizing weather.

Here's to drinking in the sunshine.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Keys

For weeks these keys have been missing.  I actually publicly sort of suggested No.2 might have thrown them away (he has a bad habit of throwing thing away and my last memory of my keys was him playing with them).  But, today Mr. and I took apart No.1's loft bed (he and No.2 kept jumping off the top) so it just lies on the floor and I found these keys behind No.1's dresser.  I don't know how they got there.  I could have left them on the dresser and they fell behind, the boys could have been using the flashlight on the house key to look for/at things.  I don't know.  All I know is that I'm so grateful for finding them.

So, here's to public apologies (I apologized on facebook).

Here's to finding what was lost.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Umbrellas

I bought a few new umbrellas the other day and No.2 has, for some reason, adopted this one as his.  As we were out running errands, he insisted on using it (it was rainy).  It's just funny that he has taken such a liking to this particular umbrella.  I'll oblige.  Why not.  Pick your battles, right :)

So, here's to oversided umbrellas.

Here's to shelter from the rain.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Brothers

These two ended up in our bed Sunday morning.  I looked at the picture today and noticed No.1 was sleeping on No.2's arm.  They had been cuddling.  (They're wincing because the flash is waking them up.)  I love that these two do, for the most part, get along.  I hope that I can nurture that bond by teaching them to care for one another, for each other's things, to respect each other, to learn from each other, to teach each other, and many other things.

So, here's to brotherhood.

Here's to cultivating it.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Planning

No.2 cracks me up.  He insisted he wear this bow tie to bed in order to be ready for church in the morning.  He's not wearing that tie to church, I already have a different outfit picked out, but I loved that he wanted to wear a tie. 

I guess I remember No.1 being easy to dress, but as he's gotten older, he's started to express views and opinions on his attire.  If I had my way, he'd wear cute, preppy button up collared shirts with nice jeans or pants everyday.  But he prefers jeans and t-shirts.  He's good about wearing a tie to church, but he's not always happy about it. 

Something that helps us out, though is planning outfits for the week.  I don't plan No.2's clothes yet, but No.1 and I put his clothes out and put them in a hanging shelf in his closet.  It saves time in the morning and stifles any potential I-do-want-to-wear-that's.  Mostly, now that he's older and I need to start relinquishing some of my motherly fashion desires, No.1 gets his way, but I love when I can sneak in a couple of my collared shirt choices.

So, here's to planning ahead.

Here's to letting others do some of the planning.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Sparring

No.1 is not aggressive in karate, but today that changed.  He was on the attack.  I hope this continues.  He's very much a follower and I see how kids take advantage of that.  I can't step in a cover for him all the time because he does need to stand up for himself and his things.  So, I hope karate has a positive affect on him.  I'm not saying he should kick and punch when others try to bully him, there are other ways to handle that - at first, but I do want him to be able to speak up.  Mr. and I talk with No.1 after bullying episodes, we encourage him to speak up and not follow when others are doing wrong.  I just hope he really gets it one day.

So, here's to defending yourself and your stuff.

Here's to being brave.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Sand

No.1 and I built this sandbox last year.  It gets a lot of use on sunny days.  Now that Spring seems to have truly sprung around here, I'll be rinsing a lot of sand out of the bathtub, but I wouldn't have it any other way.  My boys do not spend a lot of time outside when it is really cold or hot, so we savor the Spring and Fall and are excited to make castles, tunnels, and whatever in our sandbox.

So, here's to creating.

Here's to future Neptune Festival participants.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Moms

I saw this youtube video and loved how clever it was.  Although I had it figured out from the first second, it was still fun to watch it unravel.  This company invented a fake job, posted it, and did webcam interviews for the position.  The interviewer was very straight faced as he told the interviewees that the job would require you to wear many different hats and would be required to work 24/7, 356 days a year, and they would have to deal with sometimes very difficult clients.  At first the interviewees were disgusted by such requirement calling them inhumane.  Then he tells them that he's talking about mothers.  I loved the reaction of many of them as they reflected on how much their mothers have done for them.

Sometimes when I see things like this, I think I don't measure up to the model of a true mother.  I click into my electronics when I should play trains.  I yell when I should breathe.  I force when I should guide.  I do so many things wrong and it seems only a few things right.  But, I suppose recognizing that allows me to fix on what is wrong and make it right.

So, here's to living up to standards.

Here's to righting wrongs.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Carbs

Today we saw the baby's heartbeat via ultrasound.  There's only one baby (hooray) and one strong heartbeat.  I really needed to eat afterwards, so Mr. allowed my stomach to guide us to Five Guys.  Mmmmmm.  These fries and my delicious burger really hit the spot.  I just can't go very long without eating or else I get really nauseous.  Sort of like I am now.  I'd better go eat some left-over fries :)

So, here's to an understanding husband.

Here's to showing selflessness (not that he doesn't love Five Guys as well).

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Pizza

Not just any pizza, this pizza.  I love this Roma pizza from my favorite pizzeria.  My stomach is very particular these days, and this really hit the spot.  It was a great start to our families afternoon out.  And, to my surprise, Mr. bought the balsamic vinaigrette glaze so I could make my own Roma pizza.  What a nice husband I have.

So, here's to what hits the spot.

Here's to a happy wife.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Sticks

No.1 has great coordination and I think would do well in dance (he actually did take dance from 2-4 years old).  Still, this coordination really helps in karate.  He is one of the lower belts in his class, but even students 3,4,5 belts above him can't seem to get the sticks down.  No.1 just lets it flow.  He is really patient with his partner who might mess up periodically and is not prideful when the instructor calls him up to demonstrate.

I suppose there's something to be learned from this stick activity that goes beyond karate.  Could it have to do with trusting your instincts and just going with what comes naturally, don't push it or try to make things go in an awkward direction.  Well, this post is headed there, so I'll end with...

So, here's to rhythm.

Here's to coordination.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for a Visitor

This little man sleeps in our bed nearly every night.  We don't want it to be that way.  He starts out in his own bed, but somewhere between 2 and 5 in the morning, he wakes up and joins us.  Tonight, however, he got an early start.  He was there when we came down to bed.

Even though we want him to sleep through the night in his own bed (I have a hunch he sleep walks), I still cherish each night he spends with us.  Those days will be gone before we know it, and, sure, we'll be glad for the solid nights rest, but I'll miss his squishy cheeks, soft skin, and sweet breath next to me.

So, here's to sleep-overs.

Here's to snuggles.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Flexibility

No.1 has slept on the air mattress that was put up in his room for my in-laws visit over the weekend.  This is how I found him asleep tonight.  He's pretty much sleeping in a full butterfly position.  He can pretty much do the straddle splits (and soaks in every drop of praise he receives from his karate instructors), he can bend and move in the strangest of ways, and he, well, he sleeps like a pretzel.  I use to be limber like that (though I could never do the splits), and I miss that those days are pretty much gone (though I can still put my legs behind my head - for a second).  But, it's fun to encourage No.1 in his stretches and skills.

So, here's to more flexibility (and not just in the body).

Here's to passing traits.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Color

Check out this meal I made.  It is b-e-a-u-t-i-f-u-l!  Pesto pasta with sun dried tomatoes and asparagus with a soft egg cracked on top, a lovely salad, and garlic-cheese bread.

I love trying new recipes.  This one is a keeper.

So, here's to trying new things.

Here's to having your family try them too and loving them.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Conference

This post's title makes it sound like I'm only grateful for General Conference today, but I'm actually grateful for is almost daily.  As it nears, I prays that I will be in tune to what I need to learn from the talks, and after the two days of meetings, I reflect on my notes and enjoy discussing the lessons with friends at church and while Visiting Teaching.  Still, today I am grateful I was able to listen to a prophets voice.

So, here's to inspiration.

Here's to heeding prophecy.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Worms

April Fools day was a lot of fun for me.  Of course, I read two little pink lines at 3:30am, made a fun snack and lunch for No.2, gave Mr. a litter scoop for an "early birthday present" (figured he'd need one for the next 9-months), and made a sweet dinner - literally, a sweet dinner:  meatloaf (cocoa crispies), green beans (green chewy Jolly Ranchers), mashed potatoes and gravy (ice cream and caramel syrup), and worms (jello set in straws).

These worms were a big hit.  The picture is blurrier than I thought, but believe me that the worms look awesome - so awesome, that my friends who were over for a play-date/cooking time refused to eat them!  But, No.2 ate them.  There were 100 or so worms, so they lasted a while.  Today, No.2 enjoyed them with lunch.

So, here's to creativity.

Here's to Pinterest.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Examples

No.1 doesn't always understand, but he is a great example to No.2.  This goes for the good and bad.  I think No.1 actually has more influence than I do.  Still, I love when I see No.1 having a positive impact on his little brother.  No.2 tries so hard to keep up with No.1 on his bike and wants to be just like him in so many ways.

So, here's to setting good examples.

Here's to positive influences.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Practice

This little boy loves his balance bike.  I think he'd even take it to bed with him if I would allow it.  He gets so excited, like jumping-up-and-down-excited, when I ask if he wants to ride his bike.

No.2 has gone from standing and walking with the bike between his legs, to actually sitting and periodically coasting (.135346572345 seconds at a time).  Little by little, he's gaining confidence.

So, here's to continual practice.

Here's to coasting through life (well, in this case at least).

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Plumber-Diaper

My children take after their father:  they severely lack in the hind-end quarters.  Of course, this results is cute plumber-diaper (and, sometimes plumber-diaper-crack).  It just makes me giggle.

Now, I will never permit my boys to walk around with their underwear showing, we are civilized, but this is just fine for now.

So, here's to more peek-a-behinds.

Here's to flat hineys.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for a Bun

Yes, that is a bun.  And, yes, that bun is in the oven.  And, yes, it means what you think it means!

So, here's to more babies (Dec).

Here's to more love.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Dates

No.2 and I often meet up with Mr. when we run errands near his workplace.  We enjoy various places (Indian, Mexican, American...).  Today, we did a little Mexi/Merican at Taco Bell/KFC.  No.2 loves chicken and asks for it almost daily (it's not often granted, pbj all the way, man).

I love these little dates with my men.  I don't know that my boys will remember these little outings with Daddy, but I hope that they lay little foundations of love and joy.

So, here's to more dates.

Here's to more chicken.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Diva

My friend got me started on this show a few seasons ago.  It is so girly, so nothing like me, but for some reason, I really enjoy it.  This is it's final season.  I'll be sorry for my Sunday night Mommy's break time to be gone.  Guess I'll need to fill it with another mindless show, or activity, or maybe I'll read another book.

So, here's to simple vegg time.

Here's to periodic mindless activities that keep me sane.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Women

Tonight, my friend and I drove to the Stake Center for the General Women's Meeting.  This is the first year it has been a combined meeting for Young Women and Relief Society women as well as all girls 8-years old and above.  In the past, they'd have a YW Meeting and a RS Meeting (one at each semi-annual General Conference).  The messages shared were beautiful and focused on being a better covenant keeping sisterhood of women.  I had a split second thought race through my mind while singing one of the congregational hymns that I am so thankful to be a woman.

So, here's to taking joy in womanhood.

Here's to always being better than I was yesterday.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Newlyweds

This is not my picture, but one from his facebook page, but Mr. and I were blessed to attend his wedding reception.  I despise large gatherings, but was thrilled for this couple.  They were married in the temple this morning and have started their eternal lives together on the right path.

I am grateful for temples and the sacred and eternal ordinances performed there.  I wish I went more often.  One of the more recent times Mr. and I went, we were able to do sealings for families who have passed on.  It was, quiet simply and in the most complete meaning of the word, beautiful.

So, here's to the newlyweds.

Here's to more temple work.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Pie

Today I hosted book club.  My friend offered her home as we have sickies here (will this stomach flu ever end?).  We read the book Shooting the Moon about a girl who's brother goes off to Vietnam.  I made a Vietnamese dessert and an typical American dessert from the 1960's:  Baked Alaskan Pie.  I'd never made it before and it was perfect!

I'm grateful that I am willing to try to recipes and that my friends and family are willing to try them.

So, here's to trying new things.

Here's to making the best.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Cuddles

Tonight, No.2 fell asleep in my arms.  I held him as long as I could.

So, here's to holding tight.

Here's to holding close.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Meme's

This beauty really put a smile on my face.  It's sarcasm is perfect.  Just to fill you in, we had snow this morning.  It was only a dusting, but it was snow nonetheless.  I love snow, but it's getting rediculous.  35* one day, 75* the next.  Ah well, it is what it is.

So, here's to laughing a little more.

Here's to taking things as they are.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Snuggles

No.2 had his favorite lovey, Bacon, but tonight I guess Elmo was feeling lonely.  So sweet.

I love when my boys still do things that remind me they are still little.  I don't want them to grow up.  No.1 has permanent teeth growing in and No.2 is talking so much.  I can't keep them in their little boy shells forever, but for now, I'll try my best to cherish every moment.

So, here's to taking it slow.

Here's to snuggling them a little more.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Silliness

Tonight as I put No.1 to bed, he peeked over the bed and just looked so cute with just his eyes visible so I tried to take a picture.  Well, he wouldn't have it.  Instead, he just dodged the flash until I climbed up his loft bed and snapped this one.  I love the how happy he is here.  No.1 is one of the silliest kids I know (sometimes during unwanted times causing me to have to bite my lip to stay firm), and I love him for it (every time).

So, here's to more giggles.

Here's to more laughs.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Books

 No.1 doesn't always like to read (he'd rather play Minecraft), but I love it when he gets excited, and even asks to go to the library (we went yesterday).  I'm not the best example of reading.  When I do read, it's after the boys are in bed.  I love reading their books to them, but as far as them seeing me quietly read a book, it rarely happens.  I have so much to do each day, I feel the only time I have to read is when it's all done.  I suppose I need to start setting a better example in this area.

So, here's to more reading.

Here's to more books.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Stars

I was watching my littlest one playing in the front yard with sand/beach toys in the little bit of snow left from our "no"-man from my door while directing No.1's piano practice when I saw No.2 pick up a star mold and throw it into the air.  It didn't go very high, he's 2, but I knew he wanted the star to go up.  I walked down the front steps and asked him what he was doing.  "Star world so high!" was his reply.  After a couple more sentences, I understood that he was trying to put the star back into the sky.  I think he really thought he could do it.  After several more unsuccessful (obviously) attempts, he asked me to help him.  He directed me to pick him up and take him up to the house so he would be closer to the sky and the star could more easily reach.  I more than willingly gave into his desires and put him on my shoulders at the top of the stairs.  He reached as high as he could, but the star did not stick in the sky.  I eventually put him down, and he packed up the sand toys and called it a day.

I love that he really believed he could make that star shoot into the sky.  I hate to think that this was his first failure.  I love that I encouraged him and didn't try to explain to a two-year old that the sky is so far away and that even if you did reach the sky as we know it, you have to go even further to get the star to where the other stars are.  I hate that he's growing up so fast and will one day have someone stomp on his dreams.

So, here's to swinging on stars.

Here's to wishing we may and wishing we might have our wishes come true.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Birthdays

Yes, we celebrated the anniversary of the Relief Society today, but we also celebrated all the women in our ward.  I am so proud of the work that several of our sisters put into this party: 5 cakes (not including mine) from 5 sisters, decorations, white elephant exchange, and a beautiful talk buy my Enrichment counselor, man power for set-up by my presidency, and take-down by, well, everyone!  We really had a blast and got to know each other a little better.  It's a relief to have one of our three big events over, but I'm sort of sad, too.  I feel like I did after the final show when I was on stage.  I know we did a great job, but I'm sad to see it end.

So, here's to you, Happy Birthday!

Here's to fulfilling callings.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Cake

Our Relief Society birthday party is tomorrow, and I've made one of the 6 cakes for the centerpieces on the tables (I really need to work on my butter cream dirty icing so my fondant isn't so bumpy [to be honest, though, the shadows make it worse than it was]).  I'm grateful for cake, but really I'm grateful for what it represents.  The Relief Society was officially started on March 17, 1842.  The organization foundation was and still is service.  I'm the president of our ward's Relief Society.  I'm not sure, even now after serving for 2 years, that it was the right calling for me, but I do know that I have learned a lot about service and I really have a strong desire to serve the community and women of our ward.

So, here's to charity.

Here's to chocolate.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Lincoln

I am really struggling with this post tonight.  It's all I can do to keep the tears from falling.  Tears of gratitude and sadness.

My cousin, J, (one of the girls closest to my age) who I reconnected with through facebook after many years of no communication (she's the daughter of my biological father's sister and with my "real" parents getting divorced when I was 8-months old, loads of moves, and just never being really close, but still full of love, to that side of my family, we never really stayed in contact - until now).  Anyway, J has two children.  A little girl about No.1's age and a little boy a year and a half older than No.2.  Her son, Lincoln, was born with a partial deletion and duplication on chromosome 1.  This resulted in mysterious syndromes and developmental delays.  But otherwise, he was a healthy, happy boy.

Two years ago on March 10th, just 9 days before his 2nd birthday, J went to check on him near the end of his nap and found him unresponsive in his crib.  Lincoln had fulfilled his life on this earth.

I did not know Lincoln, but I've followed J's blog about him and am thrilled that J is expecting twins (boy/girl).  She and her husband have been so open about their emotions and how they keep going.  Things are going good for them, but this month undoubtedly brings heartache.

An annual memorial day has been organized for people to place pinwheels (Lincoln loved them, they were the centerpiece of his beautiful funeral, and friends littered J's yard with them for months following his death) and to spend the day making someone's heart spin, eyes twinkle.

Today, No.2 and I got a head start on Pinwheel Day.

I am grateful for that sweet little Lincoln who I never knew in person.  I am thankful to know that I will know him one day.  I am thankful for technology that brings family together.  I am blessed to be the mother of two wonderful, healthy boys.

So, here's to hugging a little longer.

Here's to more kind words.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Green

Who wouldn't love a day where everything is decided for you:  What to wear, what to cook, what activities to do?  I love it!

Today a crazy leprechaun tracked green footprints from the backdoor, up the front of the play kitchen where he set up a snack of peas on a play plate, then back on the floor around the peninsula and up the dishwasher onto the counter, into the sink and back out again onto the counter to the Lucky Charms we were saving for breakfast where he took out all the marshmallows and hid them in the cabinet, then along the stove top, across the fridge, into the fridge where he colored our milk green, then back onto the floor and out the front door.  I started all this at 1am and went to bed at 3 (I knew we wouldn't have school today - snow).

The boys woke up to the t-peed kitchen a footprints and had fun tracking them.  No.1 found the hidden marshmallows and poured No.2 and himself a bowl (he's so good at getting his brother breakfast!).  We drank green milk all day and enjoyed a dinner of corned beef and cabbage and Irish soda bread.  Our dessert was Irish lemon pudding (not really a pudding, more like a cake).

What a day.

So, here's to fun traditions.

Here's to encouraging make-believe.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.

The Day I Was Grateful for Sisters

This is a picture from this summer when the boys and I flew home for a visit.  My sister lives across the country and today is her birthday.

My sister is an incredible mother to 7.5 children.  She manages a currently 3 bedroom, 1 bathroom (currently because they're finishing an addition with will provide another bedroom and bath) on a teacher's salary.  Her budgets would put Suzie Orman to shame.  She is a peacemaker, a homemaker, a babymaker (sorry, couldn't resist :) ).  She is awesome!  I pray my boys will have a great memories of each other as I do of my sister and me.

So, here's to a Happy 38th.

Here's to many more.

And here's to a Better Mommy Me.