Just my thought for today...

Capturing those ah-ha moments...and lots and lots of rambling...

I really enjoyed myself this weekend. I had several ah-ha moments...the kind you want to capture in a bottle and keep forever. Sunday night we watched John Jay perform in his band at the park. I always love going back to the town that it all began for Adam and I. We met in high school and lived their for the first seven years of our marriage. Even though I lived longer in other towns while growing up, it will always be my hometown. The park they performed at was near our second residence as newlyweds and near our first residence as a family. I spent a lot of time there as a new mom. As I watched Owen play on the playground I saw Matthais 10 years ago running around. I can't believe how fast time has gone by! It's sad really. Watching John Jay play, surrounded by family I realized just how lucky we are. The family has defiantly changed in the 15 years since we were married. We've had several additions (including my four beautiful souls) and the dynamic has changed over the years. The family get togethers are not the same as they were even five years ago. But, there is still love.

After the park we headed home and Adam prepped for his fishing trip the next day. We watched with big grins as Ian rode circle after circle around the Tahoe on his bike. So amazing and something we weren't ever quite sure he would do. Everything is a mystery with Ian. We have no idea what his future holds. What we do know however is that we should never hold him back. Things will happen for him in due time. We just need to be patient.

When it was dark we all grabbed a blanket and headed out to the front lawn. I didn't realize it but we had never had our children look at the stars. It was so amazing to have all six of us there, looking for satellites and shooting stars. I cuddled with Matthais, something I haven't done for years. Afterward Matthais, Millie and I had a tickle fight on my bed. We laughed until we cried! How many more years of this do I have? Not many I am sure. It won't be long before Matthais won't even be around. He'll be a teenager in a few short months and then his friends will be far more important. One thing I do know is that it will always come back to family.

I had a friend ask me recently why we spend so much time together as a family. That's not quite how she said it, and I think she meant it in a different way. Her young kids are off playing with friends at all hours of the day while mine are completely content sitting home with the family. While I do feel it's important for my children to have a social life, I know that friends will come and go but the most important relationships that can be formed are those within a family. I wish I had known that as a child. Here I am 35 years old and I don't have much of a relationship with my younger siblings. I often wonder why that is?? Just because our family spends lots of time together doesn't mean we all get along. I had to have a talk with Matthais this weekend about the way he treats Emilia. I know how it is to be the oldest and to have annoying little brothers and sisters but I really don't want him to make the same mistakes I did. One day he will realize just how important these relationships are. There is a family in my ward that I idolize. They vacation with all their grown children and their families. They are constantly together, having fun. They eat dinner with each other on Sunday. They are very supportive of each other and I might even dare say they are all best friends. I often joke that I would love to be adopted! I once asked one of the daughter-in-laws if she ever felt left out with the sisters and she laughed and said "no, I AM their sister!" What an amazing relationship! That is what I want for my kids...Something I do not have.

Monday I braved the pool alone with the kids. Last year we went swimming exactly once and I left crying. This year wasn't as hard and I realized something...I am stronger than I think! I often don't give myself enough credit! We had a great time, even as stressful as it was and I was even brave enough to take them to Ihop for dinner. We survived and made some memories in the process. My kids are great. They are patient, kind and loving....most days. I really am very blessed! WE are very blessed...and that is good.

July 4th weekend

One of the great things about living in Utah and Independence day falling on a Sunday is that the festivities last 3 days. My out of state friends might be surprised to know that the fireworks, parades etc. were not held on the fourth here in Utah. I would guess that this is mostly due to our predominate religion and annoys some people but I actually think it's pretty cool. I feel like we owe this great nation to God and I do not feel bad celebrating on an alternate day so that I can honor him on the Sabbath. Saturday was a loooooong day as Owen woke up first thing in the morning ready for fireworks. Waiting was so hard! We headed to a park in a neighboring town to meet up with family around 7:00. We left our beautiful, calm city to wind, wind and more WIND! It was crazy and of course I didn't bring jackets. Luckily Adam hadn't left yet and he came to our rescue.

We all bundled up and waited for the fireworks. Much to our disappointment the firework show wasn't much. Dang economy! Not quite worth sitting in the wind for hours!

After, even though it was late and Owen fell asleep on the way home, we had to light a few fireworks. After all, that is what Owen had waited for all day! Funny thing is, he didn't like the noise and mostly stayed in the house.

I love the picture of Ian. I think it says so much. As much time as he spends screaming and crying it's sure nice to see him smile and find joy.

I almost forgot about Eclipse!

I would in no way consider myself a twi-hard. I read the books (at least Twilight) way before they were popular. I do, however, love the midnight movies! Something about the atmosphere...I can't explain it. This year, just like last, we were able to see it before the 12:01 release. Eclipse started at 8:55 and I was snug in my bed before 12 am when everyone else was just starting to watch it. It was fun! This year I let Matthais tag along. I usually like to screen movies before letting him see them and I kinda wish I had this one. There was nothing too major of a concern, especially for a child as mature as Matthais, but some of the kissing was a little passionate and some of the scenes were a bit too violent for young kids. I probably would have let him see it after my pre-screen it was just a little awkward with him sitting next to me ( I had to cover his eyes with my hand once or twice!). My sister and niece also came and we ate at Chick fila first. So yummy! (we are getting one near us, yippee!) My sister has never read the books or seen the movies so she was a little lost...maybe this will lure her in??

 
 

Kelsey, Melissa, Mom, Me, Matthais and Terry

One month down, two to go...

On the computer posting on my blog is the last place I should be today. My house looks like a tornado hit. Like a category F5 tornado. It's been a hard week. I don't think there was one day I actually got dressed and put makeup on. I don't think there was one day I got my house clean. I don't think there was one day I didn't cry. I'm frustrated and honestly, I don't even know where to begin. So here is my question...how do you get the very basics done (dishes, laundry, etc) when you are constantly putting out fires? Here is my example from today...watermelon dropped and smashed, strawberries dropped and smashed, cups of sand across the floor, cereal and milk poured bowl to bowl and then onto the floor, water dumped on the floor (several times), foam stickers stuck to doors, walls, floors etc. and this was all before12:00. I know, I know, it must seem like I never watch the kid. Nope, not that at all. You see, while I was cleaning up the watermelon, he was in the strawberries. While I was cleaning up the strawberries, he was dumping the cereal. While I was picking off stickers he was dumping sand. You get the point. So, when do I have time to get the dishes done? or fold the laundry? or be a good mom? And the other projects I would so love to get done?? forget about it. I did pull out the chore chart yesterday. I have really been slacking as the enforcer. Owen quickly and happily finished everything on his list. Matthais whined and cried but finally did it. Millie dragged her feet and was distracted around every corner. It was nice though to not have to worry about the few things on their list. Hopefully I can use this to my advantage and lighten my load. I'm exhausted. Physically, emotionally, mentally. On the bright side...it's a 3 day weekend! Yay! I'm really looking forward to spending some time with my gorgeous husband and fabulous kids!

Motherhood: An Eternal Partnership with God

Sometimes we just need a reminder...

The love of my life

I seriously have the most amazing husband! He came home to a messy house so I could leave and be gone all night AND brought me flowers for no reason! I do not deserve him...