loving mommy hood

It is remarkable how the Lord works, little did I know that becoming pregnant after only 3 months of marriage to my love would be exactly what I needed. I did not think it at the time...fear, uncertainty, and lack of understanding led me to question why?

Yet, as time as gone by watching my tiny baby turn into a growing toddler I have realized more and more... that it is the only thing I needed, along with my hubby, to lead me onto the path of growth, knowledge, and a softer heart. So many "lessons" I have taken note of, tried to apply, and still needing to apply, but working at it, have come from this little angel of a boy.

Boy was I wrong when thinking I had my life planned out... I had this and that I was to accomplish before becoming a mommy. Yet, it seems I have accomplished more through my mom journey... as hard as it may be at times. Mommy hood is the best place to be for me.

And while expecting our second child in September... mommy hood seems to take on a whole new importance. Mommy hood is my calling. My place. And where I can and should find the greatest joys.

Sometimes its hard... the monotony of it all... and then moments like these come, when I realize... that's part of it! And it is ok! It is ok I find myself staying indoors the entire day, no outside interaction. Because I have my boy, my hubby, my little one on the way, and my God to pray to, to remind me of that. And he being the gracious God he is, sends it to me. Just when I need it... and hopefully this time I can keep that "lesson" engrained into my soul.

May we remember what greatness lies in our mommy hood.

gratitude

Today while putting Nixon down for a nap he kept asking for Jesus songs, so I decided to sing a few Christmas songs about Jesus, Silent Night and Away in a Manger. While singing Away in a Manger, running my fingers through my sweet boys hair, looking him in the eye, and seeing him look back at me with such peace in his countenance, I couldn't help but compare the drastic difference in my circumstance as a mother and Mary's circumstance as a mother. My boy lay on a nice bed with his favorite, blue blanket and a pillow. My boy has warm clothes and a warm house. Jesus came as a baby in such humble circumstances. I think of how Mary and Joseph must have cuddled and held Jesus so close and tight to keep him warm. I think of the stray he lay in, how rough against a sweet, new babies skin. And yet, how great was our rejoicing as he was born to begin His earthly ministry. What great things we have to be thankful for.

What an incredible song Away in a Manger is at recalling us to His birth and what He did for us. As well as helping us remember what he does for us each day, and what He can do for us. While singing the last verses of the song, I sung Nixon's name in place of I and us, and an incredible new conviction of gratitude came to me as tears filled my eyes. I realized He can look down from the sky, stay by Nixon's side, be near him, bless him, and ultimately because of Jesus, my little Nixon can return "to Heaven to live with [Him] there."

I love Thee, Lord Jesus
Look down from the sky
And stay by NIXON'S side,
'Til morning is nigh.

Be near me, Lord Jesus,
I ask Thee to stay
Close by me forever
And love me I pray

Bless all the dear children
In Thy tender care
And take NIXON to heaven
To live with Thee there

Wow- what beautiful words and meaning. It was such a realty check today of how much I can improve on showing my gratitude to Jesus Christ for what He means to me and my family.

What can I do better?

Well there are so many ways to show our gratitude to Christ and it can be very individual and personal

So the challenge is to choose a way to show gratitude to Jesus Christ for all He has done and will do in our lives. Especially during this time of remembrance of His humble birth, lets think about Him more, thank Him more, and show that through our actions.

Have a very Merry CHRIST-mas!

slow down and enjoy.

Nixon loves the outdoors! He plays, laughs, and enjoys every minute we are outside. And already at such a young age he recognizes the great beauties of the world. For example, last month we went camping in the Uintah Mountains. As we were driving up the mountain, with trees and mountains surrounding us, Nixon said, "WOW! Beeauutiful!"

Then just a few weeks ago, Nixon did the same thing looking at the moon at night. "WOW! Beeauutiful!"

We truly to live in a beautiful world that has been created for our enjoyment. The challenge this week is to go outdoors and enjoy it. Take a few minutes out of your hectic day, slow down, and enjoy all the beauties around you no matter where you live. How great would it be if we could take just a few minutes every day to regroup and refocus as we breathe in the beauty. Then, give thanks for what glorious creations we have!

Here are just a few pictures of what we have enjoyed!

Newport Beach

Payson Canyon

Salt Lake City

The Getty Museum in California

Laguna Beach

gratitude.

Although my little Nixon may be confused on exactly how to use the words... He says, "Thank you" very often. He even says it for you if he gives you something to hold or play with. His many thank you's throughout the day led me to my first realization of how I can become better by following Nixon's example... say thank you... very often. I have been wanting to thank some people, some for over 9 months, and have not taken the time to do so. Now is the time!

So the challenge is to write a thank you note, send an email, or make a phone call to those people in your life you have wanted to say thank you to, but just have not gotten around to it. Or to those people you would typically not express thanks to. Also, have a continued reminder to say your thank you's right when you think of them, just as a child does.

For this challenge, I have decided to send some cards to a few people.

#1 - My Sunday School teacher who amazes me with his knowledge, ability to teach and inspire me to become better. True talent that I would like to show appreciation for.

#2- A close friend in my neighborhood who has done so much for me just because that is the way she is. She has a little boy Nixon's age and one day they drove over with the cutest homemade cupcakes to give to Nixon just for fun. She helped me with a craft project... well basically made it for me! And there is so much more I need to thank her for.

#3 - My dearest husband who, simply put, is my rock. He is spread so thin with time and energy right now with work, summer school work and finals, church work, service, being a good father and husband, and yet every time I call him at work he is positive, upbeat, and excited to talk to me. He comes home and even though I can see in his eyes he is drained, he plays with our boy. He volunteers for us to do service, he uplifts all those around him. And he loves me so deeply.

I try to thank him with words, notes on his napkins in his lunch, little emails for him to read at work...but I have wanted to sit down and right a long heart-felt thank you to him for all that he means to me. He deserves it like everyone else.

Good luck with this challenge and feel free to share your experiences by posting!