Jonathan, Anna, Lydia

So, there have been some exciting things going on in the lives of the Hernandez family. We are definitely enjoying all that summer is offering - sun, rain, and yes, even the wind.. sometimes. I grew up in Alaska (where people think all I do is freeze) and so most think I'd enjoy not being in the cold all the time and like soaking up the sun (since obviously we didn't have one up there haha ;) ) but I am not very good at staying hot for long. I don't enjoy freezing but I also don't mind the sun and the heat if there's a cool breeze (which is why I melted like popsicle in Texas) and lately Rexburg has delivered. We just got done having 2-3 pouring, rainy, dreary days, and today the sun came out and it was really nice for our BBQ that we had with some friends to celebrate Memorial Day and the all the lives that sacrificed for us and were lost, or still fight. It was nice. I'm glad the weather was good for this occasion.

But anyway, here is what is going on in our lives..

Jonathan: He's getting good grades in school and loves working at the testing center. He even drew a poster that will hopefully be able to be put up (it has to go through school procedures for posters or something like that) that will show students the hours of the testing center. It's got a comic drawing of a boy looking through the door window waving his hand (because some kids come to take their tests right as it's closing) and it says "Don't be left out" with the testing hours. I think his boss liked it so hopefully they approve and can post it around campus. Also, last week we got a call saying we have an interview with the Stake President. We were so nervous that it would be a really important calling (callings are unpaid roles individuals are called to do in the congregation- it varies quite a lot - from Bishops to Sunday school teachers to librarians ) for the both of us and weren't sure if we were the people for the task (not even knowing what it would be). Sunday morning we went in and Jonathan got called to be the Elder's Quorum 1st Counselor for our ward. He was pretty shocked because he didn't know the President much at all who chose him to be his counselor. So, Sunday he got called and I got to sit in and listen to him get set apart. I'm so proud of my husband and know that he will do great in his calling and responsibility. Our little mantra for the past week has been, "The Lord calls us in our weakness and then qualifies us for the work." - (off of Joseph Smith: The Prophet of the Restoration)

Anna: I've been having a good time with Lydia at home. I love watching her grow. However, sometimes it's hard for me to get out and hit the gym, but I have decided that I really need to buckle down and eat healthier. I heard once that "if you want to lose weight, eat healthy. If you want to keep the weight off, exercise." So, I'm trying my best to resist temptations like soda and junk food. And starting this week I'm gonna take Baby out more. So far so good. It's been easy not eating bad lately..but we'll see how good I am later on with the "New Leaf" - what my husband calls it (you're starting over with your exercise/diet program and you turn over a new leaf haha.. so that's what that means). I'm actually really excited and got some new clothes that were a bit smaller on me for motivation. That sure is good motivation! .. I don't feel I'm super overweight.. but I do really want to get rid of my pregnancy pudge! It's no bueno!
Also, the last few weeks I was able to complete my Visiting Teaching with my partner (that's where each lady in our ward is assigned a partner, who is assigned 2-3 people to go and visit each month, checking up on them and bringing a message about the Gospel to their homes. Then, we report back to the Relief Society presidency letting them know what each sister needs, so that nobody gets left behind and everyone is taken care of. It's really nice, especially when someone has a baby, or needs dinner.) I have a special place in my heart for Visiting Teaching. Some 15-30 minute thing like visiting someone has the power to change lives. I was also asked to give a dinner to a new mom. At first I wondered why I was asked, when I hadn't even signed up. But as I was making the food, I decided to make a card with some suckers attached and a sweet note, and felt that it would be a nice treat. When I delivered it to them I felt so happy I did and that I didn't have a bad attitude about it. Service is so much better with a smile.

Lydia: She will be 11 months in 5 days. Holy cow. She just gets bigger and bigger. And smarter. I mentioned before on facebook that she learned to fold her arms for prayer. That really touched my heart the night we saw her do that, especially because when we would previously do the routine (which consists of pj's, brushing teeth, scripture stories, primary songs, prayer, kiss goodnight, a feeding and then bed) she would refuse to fold her arms and we weren't sure if she would get it for a while (at least not for months to come). But I was dedicated and continued to do it each night during her bedtime routine. We were both amazed when after saying "prayer time, fold your arms" she actually did it! It let me know that children do know what you say to them, even at a young age. It taught me not to give up and to be consistent (which is also a good lesson for future principles).Well, along with the blessings of her bedtime routine..it works putting her down, but for some reason she is waking up again every 4-5 hours or so. Not sure why or what happened.. but I guess she might be hungry. Maybe I need to feed her more at night before bed. But it's making me tired again. And I feel bad letting her cry/whine when she wakes up so I get her. On that note, Lydia does eat a TON. She'll eat anything and everything you give her. I'm so blessed with a good eater. She also knows how to stand up and scale furniture. It won't be long before she can walk around. Jonathan keeps asking her.."When are you gonna walk?! When are you gonna talk?!" Haha. I always remind him to cherish the time now when she can't, because before long she'll be talking and walking all over the place! And we won't be able to keep up! :) She really is a good girl, though. She hands me the yuckies she puts in her mouth (so I don't have to dig them out! YES!), and shares with me her toys. She has enough love to forgive me, even when I accidentally zip up her skin with her jacket zipper. And her giggle has the power to melt my heart. I'm so lucky!

Well, that's about it in the lives of us! Hope you all have a memorable Memorial Day!

What are we doing out here, guys??

Anthony, Jared, and Jonathan making sure everything's all set for the BBQ

Goofy Mexicans! ;) just keeeeeddding

Kim (Anthony's gf), holding little Henry, and Lydia

Whitney and Jared, and the fly-away plate. Wow! I suck at taking pictures.. sorry!

This was after.. I decided to take some pics of Tiki and her  patriotic dress.
She'd like to say thank you to all the troops for all they do/have done. :)

I love this goofy girl!!! 

Love her! <3

Congratulations, Chelsea!

Soo, this is a special post because my very best friend, Chelsea Tappen, just became a Mom yesterday! She and her husband had their baby boy, Matthew 5/21/2012 at 3:18pm weighing in at 7lbs 5oz. I am so very happy for them and this exciting new adventure. Chelsea has wanted to be a mom ever since I can remember. Child Development was even what she was studying in school, so it was perfect. I'm gonna talk a little bit about my dear friend.

I figure it's okay to put this on here, since it was on fb.. hope that's alright

Chelsea Tappen is one of the most hard-working, smart, and funny ladies I know. She was always there for every one of her friends, whenever they needed her, even if it meant putting her wants, needs, or desires on hold. She puts hours of effort into her school assignments, helps people plan for their weddings, babysits her good friend's kids, and countless other acts of service. She.. is a dedicated woman. And I, no doubt, know she will be a good great dedicated mom.

She was always a person I looked up to in high school. She got good grades (uh hello - she was the salutatorian!) She never compromised her values and stood up for what she believed in. And she could play the piano beautifully. She puts 100% into her callings at church and I believe she will put that much, if not more, into her Motherhood. I believe, some of my most fondest memories of high school were with her, whether it was staying up til 5 in the morning watching Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (lol remember Carlton dancing to "It's Not Unusual"? Hahaha!), or on the football field taking care of our boys (or rather, giving them gatorade baths). She definitely cares about her friends. I remember for our friend's baby shower she put together a binder filled with copies of all the important papers she had gathered from her CD classes as a gift for the new mom to refer to. It looked like it took a long time to complete, but it was made with love and care. (Heck, I was jealous of it and I wasn't even having a baby!) She gave me rides to places when I needed them and even suffered through 9 hours of Lord of the Rings with me. To this day I'm not sure if she enjoyed that or just wanted me to read Harry Potter (that was part of the deal). We took Institute of Religion classes together and learned very important principles about life and marriage together. I wouldn't trade those moments for anything.
(Remember how we laughed when Brother Richardson drew a dot on the board and then ran all the way around the room (twice!) showing us what eternity is? lol I miss that class!)

When she is asked to do something, she does it...even if she doesn't particularly want to. When she gives her word, she follows through with it. When she learns a new principle from the gospel, she has an open heart and is quick to make that principle a value she practices. Something we can all learn from. We have never fought about anything and continue to pick up our friendship exactly where it left off even if we haven't talked in weeks. I truly appreciate our friendship.

Chelsea, I'm so happy for you. This is a very exciting (and tiring) time, but it will be the best days you will ever remember. May all the blessings of Motherhood pour upon you and may you cherish each of these beloved moments for the rest of your life. I love you Chelsea! Congratulations!

MFAQ about Lydia!!!

I have been meaning to write this post for a long time.. and it is definitely long over due. Every time me and Baby meet someone new there's only one popular question they ask.

MFAQ(Most frequently asked question): When did she get her ears pierced?

A: When she was almost 4 months old. 

There it is.. the mystifying question that almost everyone who meets her has to ask. I'm not sure why that is such a hot topic with Baby, but it is. I never thought knowing when a baby got their ears pierced would be the thing you'd want to know most about them. But it is. It happens at church, and friendly outings. It even happened today. Sometimes I get tired of answering the same question, because it happens so often haha. I wish I could just refer them to this post.. but they'd probably feel offended or really weird if I did that instead of answering them. Haha..hmmmmm...

After that, FAQ#2: Did she cry a lot? 

A: I wouldn't know, because I wasn't there. My friend's husband (who had done it to their daughter previously) did it while we were on a date (with our consent, of course! ;) ). Everything worked out fine as long as I left a bottle; she had no infections, and he got them pretty straight on. 

Phewph!

 

The next FAQ would be: How old is she? (Which I'll admit is normal...durr Anna)

A: 10 1/2 months.

It was kinda funny at Church on Sunday, a man thought she was 19 months. Not sure where he got that random number (he and his wife didn't have kids.. so it's not his fault haha) but, I totally blame her long dark hair. It is so tricksy sometimes...making her look older than she really is.

One last one, for laughs. 

FAQ: Has she always had a lot of hair? 

sometimes I wanna say, A: No, she was born bald and at 9 months..poof!

 She had TONS of hair! 

 

But I don't..'cause that's mean.....I guess ;)

And yes, she was born with lots of dark hair!

Raising Human Beings

I found this picture on pinterest the other day, and the saying has been stuck in my mind ever since. It is such a good reminder for parents, especially of those whose kids are quite rambunctious and in our minds, seem to make a lot of "mistakes," even though that's all part of the learning process and growing up. It's funny how quickly we forget that we were once just like that - innocent and needed growing up of our own to do. It breaks my heart when I see parents demean, talk down to, or hurt their little ones and especially when they give them a punishment far more cruel than the deed deserved. It breaks my heart when parents treat their children like an inconvenience, as if they are easily disposable and replaceable with materialistic items of the world. It breaks my heart to see a child (infant or a toddler), begging... pleading, for help or for them to take 5 minutes of a parent's precious time away to play, only to be ignored by the parent who has every kind of technology sucking away at their life.

Yes, we are raising human beings. We're raising little people that will grow into big people, wonderful, great, amazing people. But it starts with us. It starts with every honest word, every kind touch, and every gentle look. 

When I was in Alaska, I was in the car with a dear friend I babysat for. I mentioned to her that earlier that day I had watched a (different) 3 year old and when the mother came to get her child, the conversation actually led to where the mom told me that if her daughter, when she is older, wanted to go smoke pot, she'd let her, if it was under her own roof. I was shocked by her reply and total cool attitude about it and that society has come to this - that we accept every blatant and horrifying practice, and even celebrate it and introduce it into the walls of our own home, particularly at a young age.

My friend looked at me and said, "That's sad. But it won't be the child's fault for turning out the way she will. She is just a product of her environment." And that got me to really thinking. It has truly changed my whole perspective on children who behave "badly" or differently, who lash out, or steal things they shouldn't. Is it really their fault? Or are the parents to blame? (I'm not talking about older teenagers, who actually know better, I'm talking about little kids) I definitely think parents are the ones to blame. They are the first people children interact with and have the biggest impact on a child's life - for better or worse. We, as parents, have the opportunity to showcase the best qualities of a good human being for our children. We CAN be honest, true, kind, happy, loving, charitable, patient and long-suffering. On the other hand of all this, I have seen so many good children - so many kids who want to make good choices and are kind and nice to others. They are that way because their parents are that way. It gives me hope that there is still good in the world, despite all the filth and garbage that swirls endlessly around us.

The next time you look at your child, and are about to burst with anger because they threw their food on the floor, scribbled on the walls, decided to run off in the store, or peed the bed, remember... you are not managing an inconvenience.  

You are raising a human being.

To All The Mothers Who Taught Me Something

First, I would like to say thank you to my Momma back in Alaska. I love you and thank you for all the tears, worry, and laughter you shed for me. I thank you for always wanting what's best for me, even if I think I know what I'm doing. I thank you for raising me and my siblings, and still trying even when it's hard - emotionally, and physically. Thank you, Mom, for teaching me about sacrifice, and service. It's funny, you don't realize how big an impact a person like your Mom plays in your life, until you become one (or a parent in general, although I think mothers feel it more emphatically). Thank you Mom, for all that you do, and are. You are beautiful. 

Now, I'd like to thank all the pregnant mothers out there. Thank you for sacrificing your bodies for someone you've never met before. Thank you for your sleepless nights, your nausea, your swelling and stretch marks. Thank you for your tears shed at the pain of contractions and your broken tail bones. Thank you for being patient. I know it's sometimes easy to say that you wish this baby was out of you now, but there comes a time after birth that you come to miss the little fluttering (or huge kicking!) of their baby feet pressing inside you. I know I did. Pregnant mommas, thank you for being patient and enduring this kind of pain. It's funny what we go through just to bring a little person into the world. Thank you for teaching me selfless love.

Next, I'd like to thank all the Moms out there who have newborns and infants. Again, thank you for sacrificing your bodies for someone else. We carry these children for 9 months (9 long months!), only to push them out of us, and then continue to sacrifice our time, our desires, and sometimes even our well-being (eating, sleeping, and showering) for the benefit of this little person who needs all of our attention. Thank you for your, once again, sleepless nights and tears shed at the pain of trying to get this thing called "nursing" down right. You mothers have taught me that there are still good women in the world, desiring to fulfill their inner maternal instinct of having, raising, and nurturing children. We are raising the rising generation. They need all the help they can get. They need the best moms from day one. An honest, virtuous, good mother, will raise honest, virtuous, good children.

I'd like to thank the Mothers of toddlers and preschool kids (and perhaps all the way up through high school). Thank you, Moms, for being patient, especially when it's difficult to keep your cool. Thank you for worrying about your kids. It shows you care. It's hard to give kids freedom, without knowing there's risk of getting hurt (and I mean any age from 0-18). Thank you for still being good, even though you're dog-tired and feel like you're completely failing. Thank you for teaching me to care about someone so small, you would do anything for their happiness. 

Thank you to the Moms who have children out on their own. Thank you for letting go. Thank you for forgiving your kids along the way to adulthood. I know it gets lonely as, one by one, each child leaves the nest, but thank you for keeping in touch with your kids. Thank you for giving them recipes and sharing precious memories. Thank you for looking forward to their phone calls. Thank you for missing them. Thank you for teaching me that no matter what age your child is, they'll always be you're little baby.

Next, I'd like to thank all the Moms who suffer while their child suffers - whether it be from a broken bone, a little cold, a disease or an incurable illness. Thank you for standing by your little ones while they go through their journey. I can't even imagine the pain, or heartache you must go through as you watch your baby hurt. I follow a few blogs which document the journey of their children as they go through chemotherapy or different illnesses - even some die - still trying to keep that hope in a world that is filled with sometimes shattered dreams. You parents, are doing the best you can do. You're so strong and an example of strength to your children. Thank you for being strong. Thank you for not giving up. You've taught me that even though life can push you to your limits, and break your heart multiple times, no matter what, true love never breaks the bond of mother and child, no matter how hard your life has become. 

Thank you, to all the Moms who have been Mothers who have lost.. whether your baby left before you got to meet it, whether you spent a few hours or days, or a few years with your child. Thank you for still holding on... holding on to hope.. that you will still see them again, and they will recognize you as their beloved Mother. This is kind of hard to write, because I get teary-eyed at the thought of people I know (or even those I've never met) who so desperately want(ed) to have kids and have lost them due to miscarriage, disease, or accidents. It breaks my heart knowing they can't hold or kiss their little one anymore, at least at this mortal time. Thank you, Moms, for teaching me humility and thankfulness, for being grateful for the little one sleeping in her room right now. Thank you for teaching me to cherish every moment I have with her. Thank you. 

Thank you, Moms, to all those who find blessings in adoption (whether you're the adopter or birth mother). Thank you for taking care of little ones and giving them a warm, nurturing home. Thank you for giving these kids a stable environment. I've often thought if I was put in a situation where I had to decide to keep or give my baby up, what would I do? It would definitely be a hard decision. I would like to thank those Moms who have given up their child so they (the child) could have a better life. An ultimate sacrifice. They carry these babies, and then place them in someone else's arms. I can only imagine the kind of heartache. Thank you, Moms, for taking these babies in and treating them like your own flesh and blood. Thank you for teaching me that every child is precious, no matter where it comes from. They are not mistakes, and still deserve love. A good Mother's love.

Also, Thank you to the step-Mothers, who fill an important role. Thank you for having courage to step up to the plate and take care of others, even if they aren't yours. I know it must be incredibly hard to try to "fit in" with the family or try to win a child's affection, so thank you for trying your hardest. I think the most difficult task to do is learn to love others, especially those you're not familiar with. Thank you for teaching me that even though you didn't personally give life to those certain family members who you're now bonded with, your heart is still big enough to love them. 

Thank you Mothers-in-law, for raising righteous sons and daughters to marry, with good morals and a good grasp on life. Thank you for teaching our spouses to work hard, love life, and have fun. Mothers, thank you for teaching your sons to treat their future wives with respect. Thank you for teaching your daughters to love and respect themselves. Thank you Mothers-in-law for still trying to be a part of our lives, especially when all we want to do is be our own family unit. Thank you for the endless advice. Thank you for always being there and accepting a new person into your family. Thank you for teaching me that even though sometimes you may not totally get along with your offsprings' spouse, you have enough strength to put aside your differences and love and support them with anything they want to do in life.

Thank you to the single Mothers, who are doing it on your own. You work to provide for your family and also have the honest desire to spend time with your child(ren). Nobody will quite know what it means to be in your shoes or the sacrifices you have/will have to make. You have it pretty hard, as you must balance the maternal and paternal responsibilities. But, thank you for your hard work and dedication to your family. Thank you for not giving up, even when it's difficult to keep going on, alone. Thank you for teaching me that no matter how sad, lonely, or difficult it is to do this on your own, you wouldn't give up any moment with your child to take an easier road. 

Thank you, stay-at-home Mothers, for giving up that extra paycheck. Thank you for sacrificing what could be considered luxuries to be home with your kids, loving and teaching them the way they need to be loved and taught. Thank you for your 24/7 unpaid, sometimes thankless "job." Thank you for your endless cleaning, cooking, and loving - on your kids and your husbands. Husbands get to come home from work and relax, Mothers' work never sleeps. I think it's sometimes hard to be cooped up all day at home, and we often feel we're not giving enough back to society or depending too much on our husbands and not providing any financial support. Mothers, don't think this way. You are doing an important job. You may not get paid for your work and you may not feel you are doing "enough." But just remember you are raising human beings! These precious creatures need you. A job well done in the home will bring more self satisfaction, than any other job in the world could ever provide. No success could compensate for failure in the home. Take pride that you are doing one of the best jobs you could ever be given. A job that never sees a "2 weeks notice." Thank you, stay-at-home Mothers, for teaching me that a person is more important than a paycheck.

I'd also like to thank the working Mothers. I know it must be hard to put your kids in daycare or with a nanny, wishing you could be the one who spends your day with them, instead of someone else. You go out, because you have to, because you can't make it on one paycheck, or sometimes you bring home the only paycheck. You spend your time making a living, doing what you need to, sacrificing the moments when they take their first step or say their first word. Moments that should have been with you. Thank you for having an earnest desire to be with your little ones, even if at the moment, you are gone providing for them. Thank you for teaching your kids a good work ethic. Thank you for teaching me that you do what you must do, over what you want to do, for the betterment of someone else.

For the widowed Mothers, thank you for holding on. I can't imagine going through the rest of my life without my true love. I can't imagine having to put my kids in daycare, just so I could go to work. I guess I have that luxury of staying home. Widowed Mothers, thank you for your courage to carry on. My great-grandmother was a widowed Mother. I admire her for taking care of all her children. She lost her husband, and then her last baby during childbirth, almost her own life. Even though it was terribly painful, she knew she still had a duty to fulfill - to raise my Grandma and her siblings. Widowed Mothers, we will never know your pain - losing the one you love, and having to go the road alone. But, thank you for your immovable faith and hope. Thank you for carrying on for your children, even when you want to give up and despair. Thank you for teaching me to be strong, even if I may have to face life alone one day. Thank you.

Grandmothers, thank you for raising our Mothers. Thank you for teaching them to respect humanity and have a desire to raise us well. Thank you for always sticking by our Mothers, especially during their young motherhood. Thank you for having a desire to see their children and wanting to be a part of their lives. All the Grandmothers I know in my life are hard workers and full of tender hugs and a life full of history. Grandmothers, thank you for teaching me how to live with good morals, a hard working attitude, and a sense to carry on, even though you feel the rest of the world races on without you. Thank you, for being strong.

And finally, I would like to thank those Moms, who desire to be a Mother, but can't - whether they must wait a few more, long, hopeful years to start their family, or their bodies are just physically unable. I can't even imagine how hard it would be to accept the fact that I couldn't have children, or couldn't have any more. Whenever I think I'm having a hard time, or feel discouraged in my parenting, all I have to do is be reminded of someone who can't carry their own child (or doesn't have the means to adopt), and I instantly count my many blessings. I have so much to be grateful for. Thank you for still having the desire to be a Mom, even though you feel your dreams seem far-reaching. Thank you for that desire. Blessed are the parents who desire to have children, and can't, over those who could but selfishly relinquish their parental duties. Thank you for reminding me of my ultimate desire and want - to be a good Mother.

I hope I was able to touch on all kinds of Mothers. Forgive me if I missed some. And I hope that no matter what kind of stage of "Mother" you find yourself in, know you are performing a sacred miracle.  I find this Mother's Day to be more important than any other - due to the fact that I am a Mother. Not that I haven't appreciated my own, but now as a Mom I understand what my own Mother went through. It has opened my eyes to be grateful to the one person who gave me life.

Thank you Mothers, and have a Happy Mother's Day.

Things I Know...

So, today's post is kind of inspired by someone else, who was inspired by this blog post. So, I guess you could say I was inspired by both of them. The original post, Missing More Than Life, has got me thinking a lot. I only have a 10 month old right now, but I feel she has such a personality, and grows so quickly, that if I don't watch out, she'll be out the door before I know it, thinking about her own future kids.

 So, like the post, I have been thinking about all the things that I know about my daughter, Lydia, and want to remember about her at this age.

I know..

That lately she likes sleeping on her blankets, instead of under them.

She doesn't like getting her diaper changed - so much so that she WON'T whine for me to come change her, even if she's poopy and really stinky.  Heck, she'll even fall asleep in a dirty diaper.

That instead of signing "more" like she used to, she says "muh," and I know exactly what she means.

That she is totally intrigued with the lazy cat that spends its days lurking around our parking-lot.

She is a girl fascinated with other babies and children.

She loves holding her dandelion flower I pick for her each time we go on a walk and holds on to the stem gently the entire time.

She likes swinging on swings.

I know..

That she is a tough girl, even though she may bang her head or fall from standing...a lot

She will get instantly hungry if she sees you eating anything.... and she most certainly wants a bite!

She knows who her Mommy and Daddy are and today reacted in fright to a stranger.

She loves balloons.. and barks at them when we see them at the store.

She knows how to wave and sign "milk" and "thank you".

That she likes to sit up or stand, and rarely likes laying horizontally in your arms to cradle her. 

That if I react to her "bark" that she does purposely to see what I do, she starts giggling instantly and it makes my heart happy

I know..

She likes looking at books and is actually very careful with the pages and likes being read to.

She definitely understands a lot of phrases, such as "time to go ni-night" and "spit it out - yuckies".

She is definitely a girly girl and likes anything shiny, pretty, or flashy.

Even though you think you've stuffed her to the max, she'll never give up an offering of Mama's milk.

She enjoys music and will dance (sometimes on command!) and it is all I can do to stop myself from laughing at her while she head-bangs to classical music.

She likes playing peek-a-boo and can do it herself with her blanket.

She likes pulling her socks off, and sucking on them. Not sure why, but I guess it's 'cause they probably taste like her toes.

 

We got these darling shoes for her today... and 2 other pairs. Yes, I was indulging myself vicariously through her.  :) She hasn't taken those first precious steps yet, but she scales the furniture and gets around quite quickly. I can't believe she'll be 1 year old in July - 2 months away.

 My little baby will be a 1 year old. :-/

As I read Missing More Than Life, I felt that, even though I don't spend too much time with technology (only watching a movie now and then, and getting on the computer while she is asleep or occupied with toys), I could be much better at ignoring the things that take up so much time in my life and start doing the important things - like writing in my journal about sacred moments I have with my daughter, or working on her scrapbook. This post has changed me, and I thank the girl for writing it. Every time I am online and not spending time with Lydia, I am instantly reminded that I want to be able to say I know my baby, even if she isn't even a year old yet or can't speak back to me. I want to be able to establish this habit of getting to know, personally, all my children, before it is too late.

Time to Brag

Today, I want to talk brag about my MAIN SQUEEZE!

We have been having a lot of fun together lately. I love family time, and especially husband time. I feel like I have been more happy and laughing a lot more, especially with him, and I'm not sure why (we had a blast watching Muppets Take Manhattan the other day! So hilarious!) BUT I'm not complaining! This is how it should be!

Lately, it seems like everything is falling into place in our lives. We feel good about life and are ever so grateful for the many blessings we have. Jonathan has a job, we have a pretty good place, a wonderful ward, and a healthy happy baby. 

But I am just so thankful for my hard-working husband. He's so busy this semester working every day, with school in the mornings. I dread Tuesdays and Thursdays because he has class from 9-4pm and then comes home to take a quick nap before he's off to work from 620-1030.... basically.. I.MISS.HIM. haha I guess you could say I'm selfish when it comes to my hubby. I hate sharing him, especially with his friends. But I know he's gotta have some buddy time, so I let his friends come over to play. It's not so bad most the time, but like I said, I'm selfish bwahaha.. :) 

Anyway, Jonathan, if you are reading this.. I just want you to know that I love you!!! And I'm so proud of you! I'm glad that you're learning German and doing really well (he got 100 on his quiz the other day, the best out of the whole class, yep I'm bragging), and I'm proud of you for providing for your family, even when you're super tired and want to ask someone to take your shift.

You've definitely encompassed the roll of loving father and husband, and I thank you for it! 

I love you Delicet!