things are going well

This is what life is like right now.  Its going well.  I'm trying and it is paying off.  I remember this post about how parenting is hard.  It is but it doesn't have to be as unenjoyable as I/we can make it.  I'm not sure when it happened for me but, the patience and prayers since then are paying off, for now at least.

I've found that sitting down on the ground with the kids is the best way to spend my time lately.  My attitude and my kids are better for it.  I am figuring out in little ways how to be more patient and loving. I am really starting to be pleasant to be around again.  ;-)

One morning this past week the was shining and I knew it wasn't going to last long.  I stopped everything I was doing and whisked the kids outside for a sunny walk.  It was so very pleasant to be outside in nature.  Even more, I was relieved to realize that there wasn't anything in the world more important for me to be doing.

I put too much pressure on myself to be a certain way and really all I want to do is live a basic and satisfying life.  Simple is good, walks in nature are good, being able to stay home with my kids is oh, so good.

the ultimate holiday month is upon us

CHRISTMAS TIME IS HERE!!!

The last 2 months have been leading up to this month.  I am happy its here!  December will be a lovely one since we will be home the whole month soaking up the spirit and decor.  Like I was for Oct.  I am so grateful for a house to fill with holiday decorations.  Also, I am so grateful to be a mom.  My son is old enough to get most of what its all about.  I get to spend the holiday teaching and creating special moments.  How much better is that going to make things?!!!  I am really excited.

*  this image is from a little family outing to the Festival of Nativities by the Seattle temple tonight.  I was amazed at how much he liked the exhibit of over 500 different nativities.  He was very gentle and tried really hard not to touch.  This picture is of him not touching baby Jesus which is what I'd asked him to do.  It was very sweet for me to be explaining that all of these people in each nativity came to see Jesus because they loved him.  If that didn't get me in the spirit of Christmas, I don't know what would.  

useful + beautiful

This is my current moto.

I just got back from vacation.  We stayed at my brother's home and his wife is the best.  She is a dream of a Sister-in-law.  Whenever I come back from visiting her home I am always motivated to live a better life, be a more patient and loving mom/wife and have a happier HOME.

We had some good talks about being a mom and staying home with the kids all day, everyday.  She sees it as her job.  What a concept!  She says she wants to do the best she can at her job just as if it were a salary paying, 40 hr/wk job.  Why I never thought of it this way... it beats me!  I am an outstanding employee  so why not at my current, first choice job?  Obviously, there is some change to be made.

So, here I am, home from a lovely stay with my mentor/SIL.  All I want to do is clear my home of everything but the useful and beautiful, to de-clutter, organize, decorate and keep a clean home and what happens?  My son gets sick.  Then my daughter and of course, then I get sick.  (Stay healthy husband Love!)

Well, there is nothing like a bump in the road to really get you motivated!
I'm glad for this quote to help me along the way.

* thank you Deary Z for coming home early from work to take care of me and the kids and to friends who have offered to help and brought warm soup to my door!  I am so blessed.

November

My favorite month is October with its beautiful fall days, the beginning of crisp air and the start of the Holiday Season, in my eyes, with Halloween kicking it off.  November is just one more month of

holiday fun.  I'm so glad its here.

We have left our pumpkins out to rot and decay.  I had good intentions of making pies with them but that didn't happen this year.  Its so crazy how easy it is to waste perfectly good pumpkins... anyway.  November will have been an exciting month once its over.  We've already celebrated Thanksgiving with friends, hit the scooting milestone with one child and mastered the Big Boy Bed with the other.  We still get to attend a wedding and vacation where it is snowy and sunny.  I am really looking forward to that infamous Thanksgiving feast and spending time with family.  

Oh, November, I am so happy you are here!

ps.  Am I the only one with a husband that MUST participate in Movember?

nursing lifesavers

During the short time of pregnancy and the nursing days I do my best to be healthiest.  At the same time, I try to be most comfortable and relaxed and to feel most prepared for the changes and challenges that accompany these days.  Every girl has their own but, these items are some of my favorite nursing lifesavers.

a story about a boy and his blanket

This is a post about my son.  He is a good good soul and he has been nothing but wonderful as we've transitioned into this new family of four.  This is one example of how he's acted without being asked or prodded.  We love our little boy!  (...and our darling girl, of course!)

The day was July 5th 2012.
He came to the hospital to visit his new baby sister.
When he looked at her for the first time he saw a little blue package with his name on it.
He opened the present from his new sister.
Inside he found another one of his favorite blankets!  Oh, the joy.
He tried it on for size and tested its softness.
Then little sister made a noise and immediately his face turned to concern
He even said "oh!" turning to look at her with with his big caring eyes.
He quickly rushed over to offer support.  
There wasn't a melted heart in the room.  
To make it easier he joined mama and baby and we all snuggled and soaked up the moment.
Oh, my little boy, he acts like a real loving gentleman, most all of the time. 
How have I ever gotten so lucky with a son like him? 


* For the full story and the pictures that go with it (they are so adorable and I'm not just saying it cause I'm his mom) go to the Baby's Blog.  Need an invite?  Let me know.

remembering that feeling

 There is something so special about being pregnant.  The images above are all from this 2nd journey into motherhood.  These last pictures were from the night my sweet Haven was born.  In the far right picture I am actually having a contraction... weird.   I never want to forget the gift and experience of being pregnant!

...these photos taken 6 hours before Haven's arrival.  

first week of Haven

Needless to say, we love our baby girl.  She is a lot like when Odin was born.   Sometimes we even think they look a little alike.  But, that hair!  It is so cute.  Odin didn't have much at this age.  We are all doing well and just enjoying Zack being home and Haven being here.  Odin is the cutest big brother and always shares his favorite blanket, reads her books, and wants to pat her belly first thing in the morning.  He always wants to hold her.  My favorite part is when he gets his hands ready (he looks like he's going to bump a volleyball) and then he holds her for about 4 seconds and then hands her over.  He gives her little kisses on her head and it is never just one, usually 2 at least.  We feel so happy and blessed.  We're tired and trying to settle into some sort of routine but for the most part life has just been perfectly slow and peaceful this first week of Haven.

She's here!

We have another child!  

She arrived July 5th in the wee hours of the morning. 

It was a beautiful birth. 

We love her so!

More to come on Facebook, Twitter @lmtblogs and the Baby's Blog.

feeling it

I'm really feeling it these days!

38 weeks and I'm ready.

Blogging will be sparse in the next little while as we spend a lot of time together and resting before this little girl joins our family.  I'll be back soon with THE NEWS.

little lists: preparing for baby and after

I may have posted the daily and monthly holidays for June but in our house June has really been preparing-for-baby month.  Since having one child rocked our world and changed it completely (in a good way) I am anticipating the same to happen with number two.  I have a good idea what to expect in certain areas of life and to have those thoughts on the surface I'm going to share them all here.

viewing list for the nocturnal creature

One thing I remember from when Odin was born is that nighttime is a long and lonely time.  I remember that I woke to feed the baby several times each night and never really got a good night's rest for the first few weeks.  I'm counting on that again and dreading it big time.

Here are some things I'll do during those wee hours of the night.   Its the viewing list for the nocturnal creature or the new nursing mother:

... watch who do you think you are

... watch love in the wild
... watch merlin

... watch so you think you can dance
... watch secret millionaire

... watch the glee project

... watch downton abby

... watch vidal sassoon: the movie recommended by Rubi

... watch the olympics of course

... watch the bachelorette

... watch breaking point
... watch shark tank

... read the ensign, conference talks and this

... read my favorite posts saved on my reader

* note: there is nothing included in this list about food or that I have to hold and read...  those things would not be helpful so late at night when I am trying to stay alert while nursing.  AND, really I made this list so I have a quick and easy one-stop shop for the links - no typing necessary. *

... Another thing I know is that Zack sleeps like a rock!  Usually it is a little un-nerving but, in this case I'm so glad since I'll count on him being able to function during the days.  We are in for another major adjustment as we won't have the luxury of staying in bed all day this time.  Our toddler will remind us of this.  :-)

a busy week of attention and waiting

I look forward to the blog post where I announce the arrival of our baby girl.  But for now I am really trying to enjoy the last days of my family of 3.  I am happy to report that compared to my last pregnancy at this time my body is further along.  So, we are on guard a little earlier this time around and expecting labor to start any day.  (silly me, aren't we all expecting that those last weeks)

By Sunday night this week had filled with play dates, appointments and many little chores and errands that need to be done before the baby comes.  It has been great to have so much to look forward to everyday.  Knowing that the extra running around will help the body progress even more is encouraging and keeps my energy levels high.

I think Odin is understanding what is going on.  He has finally started to want to feel the baby moving and he often pretends he has a baby in his belly, usually after he is full from a meal and his belly is bulging with cuteness.  (It's pretty cute.)  But really, I am praying that he has a good experience making the transition to big brother.  I just want him to feel loved and fully supported like he is when the baby comes.  I think he'll be fine, I really do, but I think the extra hugs and park dates and cookies are helping remind him that we love him so much.

I love this picture above... its from when Zack took Odin to the father-son's campout with our church.  I was shocked when he ran over to give me a big long squeeze telling my "mama, bye" as they were leaving.  He has never had separation anxiety so I don't often get those 'please don't leave me' hugs.  I felt loved and have been more motivated to love him back even more since then.  I still feel that parenting is hard but really, that's how its supposed to be, just like life.  I finally get that!  And, I'm happier because I get to experience this so-called hard thing in my life.

I can't wait for our family to expand

AND

I can't wait for the wonderful and rewarding hard things ahead...  :-)

parenthood is hard

I can honestly say that I am so grateful that I get to experience motherhood.  

I get to love and be loved in such a pure way.  

I am one lucky girl and I know it. 

However, parenting is so hard!  Is there a manual?

warning: this is a long post of the ranting nature

my pregnancy essentials

During the short time of pregnancy and the nursing days I do my best to be the healthiest I can.  At the same time, I try to be most comfortable and relaxed and to feel prepared for the changes and challenges that accompany these days.  Every mom has her own list but these items are some of my favorite pregnancy essentials.

I actually have and use all of these:  
1. sandals - so comfy and even cute however getting harder to buckle,
2. eye makeup remover + Q-tips - since I don't always feel like removing eye makeup at night this is such an easy alternative, usually in the morning
3. gummy bears - the perfect little treat, I eat handfulls of these and it just makes me so happy
4. klean kanteen - I have one for my car and one at my bedside - I seriously love these,
5. kiehl's eye cream, - you gotta dab this stuff on and it does depuffing wonders!  you can even keep it in the fridge for extra impact
6. rosebud salve - I have several of these - in the car, purse, makeup drawer, kitchen drawer etc.  I even use it on my son if he has anything chapped too.
7. concealer stick - I apply this under my eyes and on the lids after the eye cream and it takes away any sign of tiredness.  will totally come in handy once the baby is born too,
8. gum - in my purse and on my bedside for when I get nauseous/hungry or heartburn - it stimulates the digestive juices so the problem is lessened with out having to take pills or get up to eat, 
9. clarisonic plus facial cleansing brush - has kept me with pretty clear skin considering I've had some problems this time around,
10. maxi dresses - so easy, so comfortable, so flattering with a long cardigan,
11. whole milk for late night hunger pains - organic milk only when I'm pregnant and nursing,
12. stretchy sandals  - actually mine are bright yellow - so comfy and easy to put on,
13. kiehl's moisturizer jar - I haven't gotten stretch marks yet and I'd like to think that this stuff has helped.
Not pictured but no less essential: pedicures every once in a while but especially in the last 2 months or so - oh, the massage does my tired feet and poor circulation good.
ALSO, a body pillow and 2 king sized pillows... sounds excessive but it has made sleep manageable this time around.  I'll give Zack his pillow back when the baby is here :-)

What were/are your pregnancy essentials?

reasons to celebrate in May

I like celebrating the little things in life.  So, here are the daily holidays I'll be referring to.  We have 2 birthdays this month and I'm sure we'll celebrate a few of the above too.  I like reasons to celebrate. Good bye, April...  I can't believe May is almost here!

** update **  Along with scrapbooking and bike month May is also Nat. Strawberry month!