The Sweet Life

I find myself in the rut of my own quarks often, trying to learn from them, and often repeating them. We all are like we are for a reason. Live and learn, learn and grow. 2 steps forward, 1 step back. It seems like you haven't traveled far, but then the years go by and you realize 2 is greater than 1, and you have indeed traveled far.

School kids can unfortunately be brutal on each other some times. And I don't know if it's just me or not, but it seems like this behavior is happening at even younger ages now days. My 6 year old has had to learn some life lessons this year. His teacher is not a fan of "tattling." Really, I don't think anyone is. As a result, it seems as though there are some unresolved conflicts floating around his little 1st grade classroom. There seems to be an unusual amount of children who are playing the game of, "You are not my friend anymore," or "I'm going to get a new best friend," or "you aren't going to be invited to my birthday party." My son hasn't typically been an emotional boy, but these threats of cutting all ties has been a challenge.
I told him the other day that friends are like the ocean waves. They are so much fun, but the waves come and then they go, and then they come and then they go. That friends would always most likely be a little bit like that. I got this analogy from the book A Gift of the Sea. I extended the analogy a bit, and said that family is like the beach, that's where you go to warm up, and it is always there for you. For the first time, I think my son felt a little peace about the issue.
This analogy has also been helpful for myself. I am a big believer in Eternal Marriage, and Eternal Families. I also aspire to make my friendships that I love eternal. However, not all people feel that way. There is great wisdom in allowing room and freedom in those friendships. When freedom is allowed, just like the waves, those friendships at some point in time, come back, even if for a moment.

I sat scrubbing dried hot chocolate splatters off the floor and wall this morning. Scrubbing little dry brown dots with my thumbnail wondering how a 2-year old, flinging his Sippy cup could reach almost every nook and cranny of our wall in a matter of seconds (and yes, the valve was in place). After which I swept the huge pile of crumbs off the floor that accumulates approximately 6 times a day, meanwhile staring at the books and toys strewn all over the floor, in an endless tornado storm that keeps going while the house is being cleaned.
In my vigorous scrubbing I sat wondering how other moms do it. How do they seem to have so much energy, perfectly clean houses, perfectly kept hair, blogs caught up, and delicious meals every night. I almost got lost in that 3 second thought, and then realized, this is my life and I love it!
My hair is pretty much a mess every day, except on Sunday because I’m actually leaving the house, as you can tell, my blog hardly ever gets posted on, and dinner? It’s hit and miss. But I love my people. I would gladly (ok, maybe not gladly, but willingly) scrub hot chocolate off the walls everyday, if it means I get to keep my 3 cute, busy, and angelic boys. I wouldn’t have my life any other way, and am grateful for my answered prayers…a life full, of everything that is meaningful to me. Cheers, to energetic boys!

This little guys couldn't wait to come, he came 8 days early at 3:09 in the morning. We knew he was breach but hadn't scheduled the C-section yet, but alas, it was all pretty text-book. And yes, he looks just like James, just like the rest of my kiddos...I LOVE my life!!!! (except for getting up at night of course, the rest is bliss ;)

I've so enjoyed our life together as a family, as things have dramatically slowed down after our move here to Bel Air Maryland. I've found that I've had more time to do things that I haven't had time to do in years, and it feels good to catch up (such as blogging, which I'm terrible at!). The most rewarding thing is being with my sweet little kids, whom I've loved from the start, but my love gets deeper everyday-sappy I know, but true. Jonah has been to Pre K for the last 2 years, but this new school schedule is killing me!!! He doesn't come out of his school for me to pick him up until 3:45, and we are home by about 4 p.m. Am I the only one that thinks this is crazy for a little 5 year old kindergartner? On top of that, he only gets 20 minutes of outdoor recess. Besides that, I just miss him at home, and poor little Joshua is without his best buddy. He about goes berserk every time we pick Jonah up. I love my little boys to pieces.
Nothing feels better in life than the calm before the storm (of course that is when you don't realize there is a storm coming). Or maybe it is the calm after the storm. With the craziness of our last year, things feel really peaceful and settled right now, and I'm just soaking in that sun. Things I've learned: 1- When you stop trying to escape the natural hardships that result from the good things in your life, and immerse yourself wholeheartedly, your love deepens...such as motherhood, embrace it (whatever your love most), and enjoy it. 2- "Don't dance naked in other peoples' garden," as sister Cordara from my mission once said I did, I've gotten in more trouble over that in my lifetime than needs be. And 3- Live quietly conscious of those around you, always seeking to understand more...I wish I'd always done that, and that I still didn't forget to do sometimes. O.k., pondering is over, for now anyway!

Nothing makes holidays better than sweet little children who soak up every ounce of festivities and tradition, and who are young enough to be pleasantly surprised by just about everything! It just gets better every year! This year we went to 2 "almost" real pumpkin patches (yes, that is Jonah feeding a calf a bottle!!), a school Halloween party complete with a pony ride, the ward trunk or treat, and then neighborhood trick or treating on Halloween night. Seriously, can you ever get enough candy? Not in my book....which, actually could use some revisions because it's killing me!!