My "job"

These two...

they are the reason that I love being a stay at home mom.

I had dreams of doing other things. Being an ultrasound technician, a teacher, or even a composer, but I wouldn't trade anything in the world to do one of those things over being a stay at home mom. If I did then I would miss perfect days like today. Days where I sleep in with my kids, watch them explore and play at the museum, have a good conversation with Kade at lunch, cuddle with Kade and watch a movie while Tenley naps, read books to Tenley while she sits on my lap, watch my kids laugh and play together, see Tenley learn how to use a spoon, listen to Kade sings songs that I didn't realize he had memorized, and that was just today! I benefit in so many ways by staying at home with my kids and I hope that they do too. I truly, truly, love my job, if you can even call it that. To me, it is just motherhood, and it is my life.

E.L. Fudge Cookies

I loved E.L. Fudge cookies growing up. My mom didn't buy them very often, so whenever she did I was so happy. I loved looking at their faces and names, and they are also super yummy!
So today at the grocery store I bought E.L. Fudge cookies for me, Kade, and Tenley to enjoy. Kade also loved looking at the faces and he'd ask me their names and then he would get so excited to bite their cute little heads off. It was a fun trip back to my childhood.

Naps and Cuddles

I'm pretty sure I've already mentioned it, but Kade is sick. Poor guy just can't get over his cold/sore throat junk. He can't wait until he is all better because I promised to take him to the museum once he is. I can't wait either! I've been getting cabin fever staying home so much!
But the good thing about him being so fatigued and out of sort is how much he'll cuddle with me. I LOVE IT! I'm just a cuddler anyway so to have my little man want to cuddle with me all day is heaven. I've also been taking naps with him and it is just the sweetest thing to see him fall asleep. There really is nothing more precious than a sleeping baby, and although he isn't really a baby anymore, it is still just as precious to me.
I love my little man Kade so much.

Good Samaritans

I'm SO thankful for people who do good for others. Even a smile, or some kind words really have brightened my day recently and it means a lot! Some people are so generous! With their time or even their money. We have been so blessed in both ways by really, really, really good people.

Resolutions

My favorite talk this past week was "Of Regrets and Resolutions" by President Dieter F. Uchtodorf.

"...the foundational principles of the gospel of Jesus Christ can affect our life's direction for good, if only we apply them."

He described three regrets that those close to dying usually have: 1. They wish they had spent more time with the people they love, 2. They wish they had lived up to their potential, and 3. They wish they had let themselves me happier.

Spend more time with those you love:

President Uchtdorf said that sometimes people think of their busy lives as and accomplishment or a badge of honor, but when he tried to picture the Lord, Jesus Christ, bustling around from meeting to meeting with a list of urgent tasks he said, 

"I can't see it. Instead I see the compassionate and caring Son of God purposefully living each day. When He interacted with those around Him, they felt important and loved. He knew the infinte value of the people He met. He blessed them, ministered to them. He lifted them up, healed the. He gave them the precious gift of His time."

I need to give my best self and my undivided attention to my children and my husband and my other loved ones and friends. I need to spend less time on the computer, or reading books, or working on unimportant things, and more time on the floor with my cute kids.

"Let us resolve to cherish those we love by spending meaningful time with them, doing things together, and cultivating treasured memories."

Live up to your Potential:

I really really don't want to look back on my life and realize I could have been more than I was as a daughter of God.  I know everyone has great potential, even me, although I don't really know what it might be, and I want to reach it!

"Our Heavenly Father sees our real potential. He know things about us that we don not know ourselves. he prompts us during our lifetime to fulfill the measure of our creation, to live a good life, and to return to His presence."

 I want to become what my Heavenly Father wants me to be. I know that as I follow the Savior's example it will be possible.

"Discipleship is the pursuit of holiness and happiness. It is the path to our best and happiest self. Let us listen to and obey the promptings of the Holy Spirit. As we do so, Heavenly Father will reveal to us things we never knew about ourselves. he will illuminate the path ahead and open our eyes to see our unknown and perhaps unimagined talents."

Let yourself be happy!

I am so guilty of not doing this. I'm always looking ahead to how our life will be better in different ways when such and such finally happens. The thought I'm most gulity of right now is, "When dental school is over....." or "When we live closer to our families..." I love the quote he gave from his wife, "...it's not a race; it's a journey. Enjoy the moment."

"Doesn't it seem foolish to spoil sweet and joyful experiences because we are constantly anticipating the moment when they will end? We shouldn't wait to be happy until we reach some future point, only to discover that happiness was already available-all the time! Life is not meant to be appreciated only in retrospect."

" ...no matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges or trials, there is something in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it."

That last quote was my favorite because that is really the reason why I started this gratitude blog. And it has really helped me find something to be truly grateful for everyday.

In closing he says:

"One day we will look back at our lives and wonder if we could have been better, made better decisions, or used our time more wisely. To avoid some of the deepest regrets of life, it would be wise to make some resolutions today.

• Resolve to spend more time with those we love.
• Resolve to strive more earnestly to become the person God wants us to be.
• Resolve to find happiness, regardless of our circumstances.

It is my testimony that many of the deepest regrets of tomorrow can be prevented by following the Savior today."

It really was such an uplifting talk and I have resolved to do many things differently and better.

Happy Thoughts

Kade has been sick the past couple of days and Brad is under a lot of pressure right now with school, so the mood hasn't been too light around the house. Brad has a monthly exam next Friday and he takes the Board exam on February 13th. Not to mention all the other projects and quizzes that he'll have in between now and then too. Needless to say, the kids and I won't see much of Brad the next few weeks. We'll see him for dinner and then for about 20 minutes for bedtime. These are the worst times in Dental School, although I'm trying to keep a positive attitude about it and not wish away this time.
Since Kade has been so sick, we've been watching more movies than normal. His favorite movie is Peter Pan, and for as many times as I've seen it, I actually like it too!
I love in Peter Pan that they are able to fly when they think of a happy thought, because, as cheesy as it sounds, my happy thoughts and memories are what keep me going during times like these.
I'm so lucky to have so many happy thoughts and memories to look back on. My favorite memories growing up were our family vacations; Lake Powell, St. George, Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon, Captiol Reef, (I'm pretty sure we went to every National Park in Utah!). Those were such fun times! And all the fun times boating on the lake and weekends at my Grandpas cabin. I had a really great childhood.
My other favorite memories are; dating Brad, our wedding day, the birth of Kade and Tenley, and, most recently, our Spring Break trip last year to Florida. There are so many more, but those are the ones that stick out to me and they make me so happy when I think about them. I can't wait to create more happy thoughts and memories with my hot husband and cute kids. I'm so lucky.

Dance Parties

We got a lot of snow last night so it was too cold and snowy to go anywhere today. Instead, my cute kids and I played games and had dance parties all day. I love watching Kade dance! He is such a stud! They make me happy!

Preparedness

I wouldn't say that I'm very prepared for any major catastrophe, but it is something I would like to work on. I really admire those who are prepared and have a plan for something disastrous. I know it is important to be ready with food storage, 72 hour kits, and other things in case something bad happens.
But more than just having those things, I think we need to prepare ourselves spiritually, emotionally, and physically. We need to prepare every needful thing.
We should take time to exercise and keep our bodies fit. And make sure we are eating good foods to keep our bodies healthy.
We should find an outlet for our emotional needs. Discover what helps you emotionally i.e., listening to good music, studying uplifting messages, playing an instrument, dancing, reading, quiet time, reflection, prayer. We can't always be working to the edge of our capabilities, we need to find time to take the pressure off and rest. Take time apart from the world. I learned that recreation is so important because it helps re-create ourselves.  It refreshes us and helps us keep going.
We need to nourish our souls spiritually. Study the scriptures and words of the prophets every day. They will uplift you and help you to grow. Make it a holy daily habit to study and learn or re-learn or better understand the gospel truths.
Is there enough air in our tires to withstand a blow from a rock? How big of a rock can we take? How resilient are we?
I believe as we work on our spiritual, emotional  and physical health we will have real growth within ourselves. We will truly know who we are and what are purpose here on Earth is and will will not falter no matter what happens to us.

Opinions

Tonight at book club we discussed the book Bringing up Bebe. After I had read it I didn't like it, but it was fun to hear different views tonight and it made me like the book more than I did originally. Although I felt like she over generalized Americans vs French, when you take into context her experiences were mainly from New York City and Paris her views make more sense. And, like I had said earlier, she had some good ideas on parenting that she learned in France that I would like to incorporate into my life. I liked the four course meals and standard snack times. I also feel I need to let my kids "discover" things on their own more, but still know when they need time with me. I love to think of discipline more as education for the child. And I also love the idea that children are little people and we should talk to them like we would an adult.
Whether you hated the book or loved it, it was still a fun night out with friends!

Creativity

The other day I had taken my cute kids to the library and one of Kade's friends was there. He was so excited to see him because he hadn't seen him for a few weeks. They ended up spending the whole time running around the library trying to hide from a "monster." It was cute and funny to watch them dash under tables and behind book shelves. The librarians didn't think it was too cute, though, when the kids opened the door to their office to hide in there.
I love it when Kade will play make believe. He doesn't do it too often but it is fun to see it when he does. It reminds me of being young and playing princesses with my friend after school. She had a shed-turned playhouse in her backyard that was our castle. We were medieval princesses with big ball gowns and fancy crowns. We later played make believe with barbies a lot. Those are fun memories.

Today while we were playing the piano Kade decided to put on his Grandpa Hobson's sunglasses (that he left last time he was here) and a fireman hat. After getting dressed up he then went back to playing the piano. I'm not exactly sure what or whom he was pretending to be (I promise I don't ever play the piano looking like that!) but it was hilarious and I was happy to see him thinking outside the box.

Birthdays

Today was my birthday and I was spoiled! I had such a fun day with my family and friends. I am a lucky girl!

Brad made a yummy ice cream cake

I love our friends!

Red Robin for dinner on Saturday

Beautiful flowers from my sweet boys

Fat Doggin'

I know that sounds like a horrible name for a blog post and a really weird thing to be grateful for, but here is the back story:
Growing up I had a good friend that lived a few streets away from me. She had a house full of brothers and she told me once that she was going to "fat dog it" with her family one night. I found out that meant that you sit around on the couch and veg. It was such a funny term to use for that that I told my family and my dad hasn't stopped using the term to this day. For that matter, I haven't stopped using it either! I thoroughly enjoy any chance I get to "fat dog it!"
Since we get home from church so early this year and Sunday's are supposed to be a day of rest ;), I usually get some time to fat dog it with my husband and cute kids. Luckily we were able to today and it was restful and enjoyable!

In other news, my favorite talk that I read this week was Becoming Goodly Parents, by Elder L. Tom Perry. I really enjoyed his tips and ideas to be a better parent. The five things he suggests are:

"First, parents can pray in earnest, asking our Eternal Father to help them love, understand, and guide the children He has sent to them.

Second, they can hold family prayer, scripture study, and family home evenings and eat together as often as possible, making dinner a time of communication and the teaching of values.

Third, parents can fully avail themselves of the Church’s support network, communicating with their children’s Primary teachers, youth leaders, and class and quorum presidencies. By communicating with those who are called and set apart to work with their children, parents can provide essential understanding of a child’s special and specific needs.

Fourth, parents can share their testimonies often with their children, commit them to keep the commandments of God, and promise the blessings that our Heavenly Father promises His faithful children.

Fifth, we can organize our families based on clear, simple family rules and expectations, wholesome family traditions and rituals, and “family economics,” where children have household responsibilities and can earn allowances so that they can learn to budget, save, and pay tithing on the money they earn."

But my favorite part of the talk was the letter he shared that he had written to his mom for Mother's Day. He told her "You always found time to take the family into the canyon, and we could count on you to do anything from climbing mountains to playing ball with us. You and Dad were never going on vacations alone. The family was always with you." That is reminiscent to me of my childhood. My parents did fun things with us often. We went hiking in the mountains, boating, on camping trips, my dad taught be to wake-board and snow ski, and my parents never went on vacation alone, we always went together. One of my Dad's mottos were "Where we go one, we go all!" And that was the case. And I loved it. We made good memories and grew close as a family.

I want to be the kind of mother that will get out there with her kids and play. I don't want to watch from the side. I also enjoy being the kind of parent with Brad that likes doing things with our children. We go on dates every weekend, but our kids come with us. I know it is important to have time as a couple and we definitely get that when our kids go to bed and have fun "at home dates," and we do occasionally go out just the two of us, but we really enjoy being with our kids and being all together. Sometimes I feel in the minority to feel that way so it was nice to hear Elder Perry say that he appreciated that from his parents.

Mainly I'm just really grateful to be able to parent such good children and to have the support of such a good husband. We are very lucky and very blessed.

Girlfriends

Today I got to go shopping at the mall with one of my girlfriends. It was so fun to get out, go shopping, and even find some cute things to buy!

Game Night

We had a fun game night with a few friends last night. We played Telestrations and ate pazookie. We stayed up really late and had a lot of fun! I'm so grateful for our friends!

Habits

I love having good habits. Once I've created a habit it is usually pretty hard to break myself of it.
The trick, I've realized, is creating the habit.
It seems super easy to create bad habits, but it is so hard for me to create good habits. A few of my goals for this new year need to start becoming habits soon or they probably won't happen. I've found if I can do something for a month it has usually become a habit by then. After a month I've usually been able to fit it into my routine and then it just comes naturally to always do it.
So here's to creating some good habits! And getting rid of the bad ones in the process.

Books

Lately this is what Tenley has been doing when she isn't eating or sleeping...following me around with a book that she wants me to read to her as she sits on my lap. It really is adorable and she is pretty patient when I tell her to wait for me in the living room until I'm finished with the dishes (or whatever else I might be doing.)
The animal books are her favorite right now. Brad read one to the kids the other day and they loved hearing all they animal noises he would make. I tried to copy him today while he was gone, and Kade quickly corrected me.
"No, mom, you need to do it like this (and he would make a noise very similar to his dad). Like Dada does!"
Well, I guess Brad is better at animal noises than I am. And Kade too for that matter. I didn't think I could get the sound of a cow wrong, but apparently I can!

For book club this month I've been reading Bringing up Bebe by Pamela Druckerman. It is written by an American woman who is raising her children in France and notices that French children are better behaved than American children so, she alludes, the French must parent better than the Americans. I'm not very far into it yet, but that seems like a pretty big blanket statement to me. She makes some good points and gives great tips that I think can help anyone parent better, but I guess since I'm American, and proud to be one, I don't like to be told that some other nationality is better than us in some way or another. I know, it's a shallow reason, but I'm just being honest! I do, however, enjoy reading and learning new things. It will be fun to hear everyone's take on it at book club next week!

Friends

This morning a friend invited us to the museum so Kade and I were excited to go and spend some time with friends there! My friend has an annual pass and a plus 2 so we were able to get in for free AND ride the carousel as many times as we wanted! It was sweet!!! The carousel is one of our favorite things to do there.
We definitely got spoiled today. We are lucky to have such nice friends.

Lullabies

Every night when I tuck the kids into bed we all cuddle in Kade's bed and I sing them the lullaby "Hush, Little Baby." Brad wanted me to learn the lullaby for Kade when he was a baby. I've sung it so many times since then it has been an easy one to memorize. I even think Kade almost has it memorized!
The kids are always so sweet and sleepy as I sing it and they even cuddle their little heads close together and stroke each other's hair and cheeks. It is the sweetest thing ever and the perfect ending to my day.

Potential

I read the talk Help Them Aim High, by President Henry B. Eyring this week and I've been thinking about it a lot. In it he talks about leading and guiding our children, or other youth that you work with, in believing that they can achieve their full potential

"I can promise you that you will bless [the youth] to help them recognize the spiritual gifts with which they were born. Every person is different and has a different contribution to make. No one is destined to fail. As you seek revelation to see gifts God sees in those you lead...you will be blessed to lift their sights to the service they can perform. With your guidance, those you lead will be able to see, want, and believe they can achieve their full potential for service in God's kingdom."

I truly believe that we all have great potential within us, but that it takes work and effort on our part to achieve it. I know the Lord will transform us into better people as we put our faith and trust in Him. I have seen this principle work in my own life. Whenever I have had a righteous desire and I have put forth a plan on how to achieve it and prayed for help with it, I have been able to do things I never thought I would or could. It is amazing how the Lord will help us. He wants us to be happy! He wants us to achieve great things! He wants us to reach our potential! We have to aim high because I don't think any of us realize how great our individual potential really is. I feel that it is so important to develop the gifts that we have been given and to serve others with those gifts. I pray that I am able to teach my children to aim high, to stretch themselves beyond what they think they are capable of, to pray and seek out their gifts and develop them more fully, and to serve others and inspire others to do the same.

My friend wrote this really inspring blog post about indaquecies and I loved what she said at the end:

"So I guess I let those moments of inadequacy hide what I'm becoming. They find a way to steal perspective, then I forget that I'm doing what I should be doing. I'm trying to better myself, to ditch comfort zones, to learn. Little failures are not a reflection of who we are. Big failures are not a reflection of who we are. They're just a time to be patient with yourself.

I think even the most patient person has some trouble with that one.

But be patient, because 'He will turn your supposed inadequacies into recognized strengths.'

Supposed inadequacies. That's all they really are."

I really appreciated this and needed it because it is easy to feel down when we are trying to better ourselves, but are not seeing any improvement. But we can't lose our perspective! Keep trying, keep pushing yourself. You will reach your potential one day!

Church Basketball

It is that time of year again! Church basketball has begun! Today Brad had two games. They lost the first one, but won the 2nd. The kids and I didn't make it to the morning game because Kade's friend had a birthday party, but we were able to watch Brad play the 2nd game. They have a couple of really good players on the team this year! It was fun to watch!
We're excited to keep cheering Brad on!

Fridays

I just love Friday! It is my favorite day of the week. I never plan to cook, we usually just eat leftovers or I convince Brad to take the kids and I out on a hot date (I am so grateful by the way that my husband will eat leftovers)! And then after the kids are in bed I get to spend some quality time with my husband, catching up on the DVR or watching a movie, eating treats, and staying up late.
I love our little simple life.

The Children's Museum

Kade and I were getting cabin fever today so luckily Tenley woke up early from her nap so we could head to the Children's Museum.
This is my favorite place to take the kids. There is so much to do and the workers are so nice. Today was a good day because there were hardly any people there so it was easy to do what we wanted!
We had a really good day today.

Power naps

Today after I put the kids down for a nap I knew I had a lot to do, but I also knew that if I didn't get some rest I would be one ornery mama the rest of the day. Luckily I was able to take a quick 20 minute power nap. It was so refreshing!
Tonight was spiritually uplifting. We went to a memorial at our church for the young father in our ward who passed away. Damond's brothers were there and all got up to speak about him. Some members from our ward also shared their memories of him. It was nice to celebrate his life and laugh and cry together. It was very special and I feel like Adriana will be well taken care of.

Bath Time

My kids LOVE taking a bath. No matter how much crying or fighting has gone on before hand, without fail, once they are in the bathtub they are happy. It is so nice to have that peaceful and playful time with them right before bed.

Here the kids are enjoying a bath with their cousin Max

Goals

I love setting goals. Mainly because I love the feeling of accomplishing something. The new year is a great time to find some new goals to set and I have thought of a few for myself and need to think of a few more.
Tonight for family night we set some goals together. It was fun to me, but I'm not sure that anyone else is too excited about it. One goal, though, that I think we'll all enjoy is doing a fun family date each month. It's always fun to do something other than dinner and a movie so it will be fun to see what new adventures await us as a family this year!

Tenley's faces

Kade loves to play this game that he calls "beach ball." Really all it is is taking big balls from around the house and throwing them at people's heads. He thinks it is funny when they bounce off. Luckily Tenley was in a good mood this time that he wanted to play. She laughed and made the funniest faces! It was hard to catch her expressions on our old school camera, but we had to try! And please excuse all the food on her face...it was just after dinner.

Comfort Food

I made this yummy cinnamon pull apart bread tonight with some minestrone soup. It was just the kind of comfort meal I needed.
It feels like it has been a long week. My heart has been so broken for the Farar family, and then we just heard last night that our old Bishop from our ward in Idaho passed away from a heart attack yesterday.
He was 43 and had 8 children.
My heart is broken again.
Life is short and I'm so grateful for the gospel and for my knowledge of eternal families, but my heart still aches and I have cried many, many tears.
My thoughts and prayers remain with the Farar family and the Seipert family.
And my hugs, kisses, and cuddles won't stop being showered on my husband and sweet children.
I feel so blessed amid it all.

Family Dates

We had a super fun family date night tonight at a bounce house. Kade loved jumping on everything and playing with his Dad. And Tenley really loved going down the slides. We can't wait to go back!

Joshua Radin

Since I listen to Pandora Radio so much I discovered a new music artist that I really love.
Joshua Radin.
His music is so comforting and peaceful and helps me relax. Someone Else's Life is my favorite song I've heard so far.

Sister-hood

I am so grateful for the wonderful women that I get to serve with in my church. I'm so lucky to know such good people and I love associating with them and serving with them. Especially during a time of such a great tragedy.

The past few nights me and a few other sisters have been packing up the home of the woman who lost her husband. It has been hard. Really hard. But it has also been so nice to talk through our feelings together as we work. And it feels so good to be able to serve our friend at this time in her life. 

I feel surrounded by greatness.

Kade

My little man has brought so much joy into my life these last few days. I've been having a hard time with the loss of the young father in our ward who leaves behind his wife and three young boys. My heart hasn't stopped aching for them. Kade has recognized each time I get a little too lost in my thoughts and he will come up and say, "Don't be sad Mom, it's OK." And then he'll give me a big hug. He is the best.