He knows

Yesterday was rough. I had no patience for my children AT ALL! Christopher needed to be held constantly and Steven had a hard time doing ANYthing I asked him to do. There was multiple times when I fell to my knees and begged my Father for the patience and strength that I needed to be a good mom, to really just make it through the day. It was hard. This being said, we had a break through with potty training. After a week of cleaning up Steven's underwear distasters, yesterday was the first day, in a long time, with no accidents. My little man went #2 six times in the toilet and one of those was at Macey's! It was wonderful, but like I said, it was a rough day for other reasons. It helped me realize though, He knows. He knew I wouldn't be able to deal with poopy underwear. My Heavenly Father is aware of my needs and loves me enough to help me.

Then it made me think of other things that have happened recently that helped me know He cares. And I thought of this friend.

Holly Decker really welcomed me into our new ward. I'm not sure why this happened, but Holly become one of my closest friends I've had in a ward after only being in the ward for a month. And I have learned SO much from her. Unfortunatly she moved to Arizona about a week ago. (Thank heavens for modern technology so I can continue to learn from her!) This is my point: I feel like I've gone through a HUGE growth spurt mentally and spiritually becuase of Holly. I'm (for the most part) a better wife, mother, and person in general because of her. I have no doubt that my Father in Heaven knew I would learn a ton from Holly, so he sped up our friendship so I could learn as much as I could while she lived in Provo.

I know our Father in Heaven cares for all of us in our different curcumstances that change daily. He cares for us so much He sent His perfect Son to suffer and die for us. Through the atonement of Jesus Christ, I can make it through my days. I can better myself through the help of friends and family members. Because of Jesus Christ I can live with my family FOREVER. And this fact brings me insurmountable joy. I really do have so much to be grateful for and all becuase He knows and cares.

What fall looks like

A warm day with cool breeze outside. Snow on the mountains and leaves are starting to turn colors. And a magical day at the park with my boys.

Steven found a bug!

I love it when Christopher does this. He tries to pick something up,
then looks at his hand to see if he actually got anything.

Then slowly walking home looking and crunching all the leaves.

I LOVE fall.

"I'm big now mama"

This is what Steven told me the other day at the park. You know, he's right. He seems to be growing light years lately.

Doesn't he look so old here?

He's understanding and talking more, he's becoming more brave and independent. The weird thing is, I love it. I love having him narrate his life for me. I love seeing him come up to obstacles and not only face them but overcome them. I love when he helps me clean up and do the dishes. He really is a big boy!Helping mom with dinner. Doesn't he look so cute in his underwear?
(I'm his mom so I feel like I can say that)

I started potty training him a little over a week ago, and it seems to be going really well. The first day was good, then the next two days were horrible! Honestly I'm not sure how we survived. The next couple of days were good, we went out for walks and to the park. All that time he'd stay dry, and only have minimal accidents at home. Then I got sick for a couple of days, and we took some steps back. But now we are going on a day and a half with no accidents. This is including going to nursery, grandma's house, and a ward party. I'm hoping this sticks, but if not, we are on the right track!

Happy Camper

The other day Jacob said to me, "Christopher's a lot happier now." Yes, he is! I think his teeth got the best of him, but now 8 teeth later we have a happy boy again!

Welcome back happy baby

I'm Learning

There's been a lot on my mind lately, I've been trying to sort them all out. I'm pretty excited about some of these, it's been a long time coming.

I'm learning it's ok if Steven dumped salt all over the cookies I made for the sisters I visit teach while I was in the shower. Don't get mad, he thought it was sugar. Just shake it off, hopefully they won't tell the difference.

I'm learning sometimes you have to let the letter of the law fall away so that the Spirit of the law can reside in your heart.

I'm learning it's alright if I bring store bought rolls to a Relief Society activity on homemaking, if it means my home has a little more peace. No one criticized me, or even noticed.

I'm learning just because what I've chosen for my life isn't what everyone else at the table has chosen for theirs doesn't mean my life is any less meaningful. I shouldn't be ashamed or try and make excuses because my life is exactly how I've always wanted.

I'm learning I don't have to have the approval of everyone around me. I can just be me, and if someone doesn't like it, then that's fine.

I'm learning the image I have of myself shouldn't be based on my weight or how I fit into the clothes I wore in high school. It's about how I feel when I exercise and eat right. I'll never be one of those women who look amazing in everything they wear. I've got curves, it's time I face that. (This is still an ongoing battle, hopefully one day I'll win. I've banned myself from the scale and that seems to help.)

I'm learning I am doing the best I can with my life, and others are doing the best they can. I can't get down on myself when I feel I don't measure up to everyone. We all have different circumstances that makes somethings easier than others.

I'm learning my Father in Heaven won't give me anything I can't work my way through. I'm often way too down on myself and think something is too hard, but I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me.