Clean

Today was a super busy day. It was good-busy, but boy am I tired. I'm still not completely over being sick and wow...this day wiped me out.
We came home from everything and the house was a disaster.
So I had to clean. I had to.
I just loooove a clean house.
Sitting down and relaxing after giving everything a good scrub is such a wonderful feeling. So much effort went into this moment of complete cleanliness.

And truly-- it is just a moment.

Because pretty soon kiddos will be waking up and getting out the toys, meals will be made, dishes dirtied, and clothes spilled on.
So I'm just going to bask in the clean while it lasts.
And then appreciate that I have a family to clean up after.

A choice

So I woke up this morning feeling miserable. Miserable. Still. And Jeff had to go to work.
The kids have to be fed, and changed, and played with, and cuddled, and loved when the only thing I really want to do is climb back in bed and cry myself to sleep.
I decided that I could either be sick & miserable or sick & happy.
I'm choosing sick & happy.

So here goes.

Here are the few positive things that come from being sick:

• Jeff did get to stay home from work 1 day to take care of me. It was heaven, aside from the feeling sick part.
• I don't feel the least bit guilty over not cleaning my house.
• We have an excuse to watch movies all day long.
• Weston has been giving me hugs and kisses all morning because he knows I'm sick.
• I lost a few pounds in 2 days. Nice.
• I'm realizing just how wonderful it is to be healthy.

I'm praying my kiddos take long naps.

Have a fabulous day!

Loved

For the past couple of days I have been sick.
It's not fun. Not fun at all.
Especially when my little guy is sick too. He's usually such a happy, happy baby. But being sick gets to even the best of us. And he doesn't do sick well.

But I have the most wonderful, kind, caring husband who has wiped noses (the boys, not mine), changed diapers, made meals, played with the boys, woken up many many times during the night to go get Tave and help him be more comfortable, and taken care of me on a day when I needed it most. He was even able to take the day off. I sure feel special.

Thank you, Jeff. I may feel pretty blah right now, but even more than that... I feel loved.

To become a mother

I never fully appreciated and valued all that my mother did for me until I became a mother myself.
When my first, sweet little baby was placed in my arms, my entire life changed. My life became more about him than about me.
And I began to learn (and am still learning) the joy that comes from sacrificing for ones children.
Sacrificing time, money, immediate wants & desires, more clothing, bigger vacations, more vacations, movies anytime, dates anytime, sleep, sleep, sleep, my body, more schooling, and the many other 'comforts' of child-less life.

They are worth it. Worth all of this and more.
Because what I gain makes up for any sacrifice I have to make to get it. I may lose a few hours of sleep, a few years of time to do whatever I please.
But I am becoming a mother.
And I wouldn't want any other job in the world.

Gift giving

Head on over to my family blog to find out what the Giftyness meme is all about.
Hopefully YOU will join in on the fun!

Happy Thoughts

Some things that have made me smile over the past few days:

• My husband getting me Costa Vida for dinner yesterday. Delicious. and I didn't have to cook.
• Weston asked me to wear a headband today and when I put it on he said "Mommy so pretty." That pretty much made my day.
• Tave clapping and dancing and smiling all the time. I am such a lucky momma.
• My mom is spending the night. It's always so good to see her and to talk.
• Sweet phone calls from people just saying hello. It feels good to be called. Thank you, thank you.
• I've actually been keeping up with this blog. Except for the one day I missed. But that's pretty much amazing for me.
• Cinnamon rolls left on my doorstep. How did I get such good friends? My whole family thanks you!!
• I've finished a bunch of projects.
• I made some more stuff for my etsy shop. Yup, I'm opening an etsy shop. It was going to be opened in February...but March is looking more like it. I am so excited and everytime I work on my items I get even more excited. Hopefully everyone likes it...
• Building up our food storage. I love adding a few cans to that shelf. It feels so good.
• My hubby helped with the dishes. He is so good about helping with the cleaning, the cooking, the kiddos, and pretty much everything.
• My hair is finally starting to grow a little more. I've been cutting it to grow... you know, so it's healthy-long. But it's taking so much time!!! I finally feel like I have a little bit of length, yay!
• We got the van fixed. There was a lot of little things wrong that added up to a big bill...but it feels so good to have it done. (thank you tax-return)
• I ordered my diaper bag. I am sososososososo excited for it to come in the mail!!!!! I have been searching for the perfect bag for 3, yes 3 whole years. Thanks to Amy for finding it and not minding that we will be 'matchy-matchy green squared'. (name that movie...)
• It was sunny and *light jacket* only weather today. Beautiful.
• Playing ticket to ride with Jeff and my mom. I love that game.
• Going to church. I love when Sunday rolls around.
• And then every thought of my family, near and far. I love them all so much.

I am getting all smiley and happy just writing all of these wonderful blessings.

What are your happy thoughts...

Dear Meg

I read your posts today. I wanted to call. But I haven't. And now it is really late.
This verse of scripture has been on my mind all day. I know you feel blessed and humbled, so maybe you won't need this. But reading this always leaves me comforted and uplifted. Especially when my faith is being tested.
I love you.
Nicole


Doctrine & Covenants 122:7
The word of the Lord to Joseph Smith the prophet, while he was a prisoner in the jail at Liberty, Missouri.

7 And if thou shouldst be cast into the pit, or into the hands of murderers, and the sentence of death passed upon thee; if thou be cast into the deep; if the billowing surge conspire against thee; if fierce winds become thine enemy; if the heavens gather blackness, and all the elements combine to hedge up the way; and above all, if the very jaws of hell shall gape open the mouth wide after thee, know thou, my son, that all these things shall give thee experience, and shall be for thy good.

(italics added)

A Walk

We went for a walk today because it felt sort of like spring. Sort of.
By the end Weston was crying because his hands were cold and he wanted gloves. So yeah, not quite spring.
But it was sunny and in my mind I always associate sun with warmth. You'd think 9 years in Utah would have cured me of that. (9 years?! I'll leave that discussion to another post)
It sure was great to be outside.