A Day Off

I'm feeling very recharged today.

Yesterday I woke up in a lot of pain with a general overall feeling of the blahs.

I got up and made french toast for the family, but instead of hopping in the shower and getting ready for church afterwords, I just crawled back into bed. I fed Deagan, who fell asleep, and then I drifted off to sleep. When he woke up around 2:45, I texted Bryant, who was just in the living room, and asked him to come and get him for me. He did, and I fell back into a deep sleep until 4:00, when Bryant came in to ask if I wanted some Macaroni and cheese in bed.

The answer to that it always yes.

But my parents came over, and I decided that after being in bed ALL DAY, I could get up and go say hello. My mom and sister then invited me over to watch a movie, and Bryant offered to keep the kids for me, so I could get some more time-off from my mommy duties.

I ended up staying at my parents house until 10:00. When I got home, I realized that other than making breakfast and feeding Deagan a few times, I had essentially had an entire day off from being a mom. Mom's never get days off, so this was heavenly. Both my kids were half-naked all day. Savannah spent most of the day playing on the ipad and snacking on blueberries and apples, while I spent the day dead to the world and putting in some much needed hours in dreamland. 

When I got home, I went straight to bed. I got up around 1 to feed DJ, who then slept until 7:00am. 

I felt 100 X better today than I've felt in a looooong time. I even got a teeny bit of housework done because Deagan, who is my cuddler and ALWAYS wants to be held, sat quietly on a blanket in the living room, while my ever so demanding Savannah sat quietly next to him playing with her legos. 

We spent the afternoon with my dad running errands and stopped for hamburgers and cokes while both kids napped the whole time. 

Now we are home and Savannah is sitting on the couch watching Little Einsteins and DJ is happily sitting in his swing. Bryant should be home in an hour and a half and I fully plan on putting the kids to bed early, and then sitting with the hubster out on the deck to watch the meteor shower tonight.

My happy life

Today, despite this cold that's still hanging around, I needed to go get my car registered and the oil changed. Maybe it's just me, but every time I go alone to any place to get my oil changed, they always try to tell me I need about a million and 1 things for my car, that I don't in fact actually need. But I've found that when I bring Bryant or my dad along, they don't badger me as much. So since Bryant had to work today, I asked my dad to come along.

Anyways, as we were being rung up for the oil change, the guy was trying to upsell us on the best quality stuff, and a few other items. Like 26 dollar windshield wipers and such. I actually do need windshield wipers, but I'll buy the 15 dollar ones from walmart thank-you-very-much.

When I told him no-thanks, he tried to talk the price down 6 dollars. I still said no. When he tried to convince us to buy the most expensive oil, my dad said "It's alright, she's trading her car in next month, so just the conventional oil is fine." 

This is partly true. I am planning on trading in one of our cars sometime in the near future to get something bigger for our growing family, like (gulp!) a minivan. But not next month. My dad just said that to get the guy off our backs (smart thinking dad!)

Anyways, as we were walking out, the guy asked what kind of car I wanted to trade in for. I told him a minivan (I NEVER thought I'd ever actually want a minivan in my life. Now look at me!) because I needed more space for my kids. When he asked how many kids I had, I told him 2.

That felt really weird. It felt weird to say that I have two kids. TWO KIDS! I am a mom to two littles. 

The other night, my parents babysat for us while Bryant and I saw a movie, and afterwords, I said to Bryant "I hope our kids were ok for my parents". Kids. Plural. That's when I first realized how weird it was to say. 

I never really imagined that this is where my life would be. A life where I went and spent 75 dollars on diapers. A life where I cornered a lady at costco asking her where she got her double stroller from. A life where I was peering into a mini van in a parking lot because I wanted to see if it was something I would be interested in buying. A life where I would even want a mini van! A life where I sometimes sneak handfuls of my toddler's snacks during church because I didn't eat breakfast. A life where I purposely bought a smudge-proof refrigerator, and wouldn't you know it, it still has smudgy little hand prints on it from a certain 2 year old who thinks she's a pirate pixie.

I also never imagined that I would be this happy. Even though it's 11:30pm, and I just made myself pancakes for dinner, and I have spit-up all over my shirt, and my daughter just barely went to bed after telling me that she needed a "space rocket" right. this. second. And asked me to sing the "choo choo train song" for the millionth time. And even though I am so tired. And I still have a cold, but I'm not allowed sick-days in bed watching re-runs of Law and Order all day anymore. 

I am so, so happy. Because I have a little girl who wants to be a pirate and who believes in

pixie dust and that she can fly in a rocket ship. And I have a little boy who is so content to just be held in my arms all day and who is beginning to give me little half smiles and stares at me with his big beautiful blue eyes, and he gives me that concerned look that makes me think that he just wants to tell me something so badly.

I have two beautiful kids. And I am one lucky mama. 

 

Mother's Day

My mother's day this year was wonderful! 

It started out with Breakfast in bed. Bryant made me pancakes, but whenever he cooks, he likes to experiment, so he added cinnamon and vanilla into the batter. They were delicious, a little undercooked, but delicious. Besides, it's the thought that counts :-)

After Breakfast, Bryant took Savannah out into the living room so I could lay in bed and read all morning long. I was also able to get in the shower without a toddler trying to jump in as well, and Bryant got Savannah in the tub, and all ready for church.

Savannah was pretty well behaved in church. And by well behaved, I mean she didn't scream to high heaven when we wouldn't let her run around in the back of the cultural hall. This year at church, they gave all the women little bags of chocolates, which most women tucked away in their purses to enjoy later. You better believe I had eaten that entire bag before the 1st class even started! After classes, Savannah gave me a poem with her hand print on it that she made in nursery. It may have been the pregnancy hormones, but I kind of choked up and teared up when she handed it to me. She was so proud of it and pointed out all the hearts on it for me.

After church, I was left alone to get a good nap in. 

Afterwords, we drove up to my grandparent's house for enchiladas and gifts.

My sister and I went out and got my mom a necklace with our, and my 2 brother's initials on it. My grandma gave me some adorable earrings (which the 1st time I wore them out, I had a million compliments on!) and my parents gave me a $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble! If anyone ever wonders what I like to get for gifts, gift cards for books is always a good choice.

It's hard to believe that I have been a mom for 2 years now, and will have 2 kids to mother any day now (let's hope sooner rather than later...) It's definitely been a learning experience. Some days, I feel like the world's worst mother. Especially on days like today when my daughter woke up several hours earlier than she normally does, and was a little stinker all day and I didn't have the patience to put up with her temper tantrums, so I had to use the "just ignore it" tactic. Days like today make me think "I am terrible at this. She just wants attention and I'm too tired/sore/impatient/pregnant/selfish to give it to her right now. How will I ever give her everything she needs? How will I take care of 2 kids?!" 

But then, I get those moments where she comes out of nowhere and asks me for a big hug and kiss, or curls up in my lap just to cuddle, or she brings me little treasures she finds like rocks, or weeds, or a stuffed animal. Or when I'm getting ready for the day and she "helps" me put on my makeup, takes a step back with a grin on her face and says "oh mommy, you so cute!" 

Moments like that I think "No, I'm doing alright. My wild child is happy and healthy and that's all that matters".

I think attaining that "image" of the perfect mother is even harder in this day and and age. People make themselves look as good as possible on facebook, or on a blog, or on instagram. And I love to see this perceived image of the happy-go-lucky mom who has kids that never have melt-downs, or who never make a mess. I really do because it gives me something to strive for, to better myself. But the other side of me loves that I can be a "real" mom. That there are times when cookies and chocolate pop-tarts are on the menu for dinner, that my house is in a perpetual state of dirty dishes and smelly laundry, that letting my daughter go and dig in the dirt of the flower bed is entertainment around here. I think it keeps our life interesting, and even after an imperfect day, I can read my daughter a bedtime story, tuck her into bed, and when I turn off her light, I know that she considers me her closest friend. We do everything together, and we learn together.

I like being a mom. I like it a whole lot more than I had ever imagined I would. All the tantrums, all the time-outs, all the goldfish cracker crumbs and late nights and bruised knees are worth all the hugs, kisses, cuddles, smiles, laughs, and "I love you's" a million times over.

At the end of mother's day, I watched my wild girl as she watched my grandparent's horses run around, and I felt like I should really be celebrating her. Because she is the whole reason I even get to have a mother's day. She has shaped and molded me into the person I am today more than anyone else on this earth. I love her more than anything.

And a big thank you goes out to my Mom and my Mother-in-law, and my grandmother's and Bryant's Grandmothers, and all my aunts and all Bryant's aunts for being such great examples of amazing women. You have all helped me along this still fairly-new journey of motherhood. I love you all and owe you all so much.

Day 6 of 30 Things

Day 6: What is the hardest thing you have ever experienced?

It's interesting that this question came up today, because I've done a lot of reflecting this past week on the hardest thing I have ever had to experience.

This coming Thursday marks the 10 year anniversary of my Dad's stroke. I've written a few times on this blog about that experience, so I won't go through much detail now. But It was the scariest, hardest, faith-shaking moment of my life. It's so hard to see someone you love so much suffer so badly. It affected how my entire life afterwords played out. 

But 10 years later and my family is stronger than ever. 

It was the hardest thing I ever experienced, but it was also one of the biggest blessings. How can you not love and appreciate your parents more after you almost lose one of them? I witnessed the power of prayer as my dad got stronger and healed. I watched him accomplish things that we never thought he would be able to do again. I watched my Mother as she stood by his side, taking him to numerous doctors appointments, specialists, hospitals, and rehabilitation centers, all while taking care of 4 kids and staying so strong.

What an inspiration. 

I love you both Mom and Dad.

(I wrote a detailed post about the day my dad had his stroke 2 years ago, if you want to read it, click HERE. For warning signs of a stroke, please click HERE. Knowledge is power and time is key. The sooner they can get a diagnosis, the less damage will be done. And remember, it can happen to anyone, anytime. My dad was only 39 with no previous health problems. It took them 8 hours to diagnose because they just couldn't believe that someone like him could have a stroke. Please pass this information on to loved ones!)

Mom's are the best

It doesn't matter how old I get, or the fact that I'm about to become a mom myself, but my mom always makes sure that I'm healthy and happy.

She's the best!

I've been sick for a couple of days.
Mostly just horrible migraines and dizziness.
I even called in sick today at work, which I never like doing.

I'm also super anemic. Which means I don't have enough iron in my system and my body has a hard time reproducing it's blood supply.

In fact, when I was hospitalized with pneumonia, there was a serious debate weather or not to give me a blood transfusion.

Ever since, the doctors have told me to take iron supplements, never pass up green beans or red meat (but who would pass those up anyways?) and I get a finger prick test every now and then.

My mom was worried when she saw me yesterday, she said I looked too pale and was worried my anemia was getting worse, which is known to happen to pregnant women, and would explain the dizziness.

So today, she brought me what she called the "baby smoothie"


It had bananas, blueberries, flax seed, fish oil, spinach, and a fiber supplement in it.
It started out purple, and tasting like bananas. It ended black and tasting like spinach.
It really didn't taste too bad at all. It was just a little chunky, which made it tough to swallow. It's like beans, they taste fine, I just don't like the texture of them.

I dared my sister to take a sip in exchange for helping her do her homework. She got a weird face and just said "interesting".
(my mom)

This wasn't my first rodeo with a healthy smoothie my mom has made. For after school snacks she used to make smoothies with tofu in them. And really yummy sandwiches with spinach and apple slices.

I'm so grateful for my mom. She always makes sure I'm feeling ok. When I was living down in Provo, she had this "mom sense" that would let her know when I needed a visit from her and she would bring groceries or flowers.

When I was sick as a kid she would run out and buy me a sprite and make toast.

And let's not forget my dad here, he used to grab me cough medicine in the middle of the night or let me drink his coke.
(my dad and I)

Needless to say, I am feeling much much better tonight. My headache is gone and with it my dizziness. My mom said she's going to make me the smoothie again tomorrow (with less chunks) and I'll take it if it has made me feel this much better this soon.

I love you mom and dad. You guys are the best and thanks for always looking out for me (and you too Bryant, who always buys me Reeces peanut butter cups when I'm sick and doesn't make me watch football, I love you too!)

My mom is superwoman

(haha, Colter's face is the best!)

My mom is amazing.
Absolutely amazing.

She knows how to do pretty much anything.
I think that's what happens when you become a mom. You suddenly know how to do everything.

The first thing my mom has learned to be a pro at is being a mom to me and my two brothers and little sister, and let me tell you, we are quite the handful (Especially me) And over the years, she not only has taken care of us, her own kids, but she has welcomed our friends into her home and treated them as if they were her children as well. (Sage told me the other day that she has 6 brothers, Colter and Sawyer, and their friends Christian, Tanner, Jackson, and Kevin) Kevin even called her and my brother on Christmas while he is on his mission haha!

For us, she has not only had to be a soccer mom but she has had to be a...
Soccer
Basketballl
softball
baseball
dance
football
tennis
FFA
Drama

Mom(My brother Colter is on the bottom left)
She is a master...

Travel agent
chef
referee
therapist
Wedding planner
advice columnist
nurse
pharmacist
gardener
housekeeper
adventurer
seamstress
party planner
(and she's pretty awesome at her actual job at BYU working in the financial services too)

She has had to take care of us single-handedly when my dad had a stroke when he was 39 (she was only 36!). She didn't leave my bedside when I was hospitalized for a week with pneumonia when I was 18. And she's rushed my brothers to the Emergency room numerous times when they've broken, sprained, or cut something.

She knew just what to make if you were feeling sick (toast and sprite) sad (enchiladas, my fav) or just in need of an after school snack (even those tofu smoothies you used to make us were pretty good!)

And she always been patient with me when I call her, crying and hysterical over some little thing. She knows just what to say and how to help.

Mom, you're the best and I love you so much.
I hope I can be just like you when I become a mom.
Happy mothers day.