Permission to Beam

I used to secretly roll my eyes at moms who carried on and on about how special their kids are. 

Comments like, "My not-yet two-year-old potty trained himself in one day," or "my three-year-old is already reading at a third grade level," or "my little one can recite the declaration of independence while hopping on one foot and balancing a spinning basketball on their finger." 

(ok, that last one was a little over the top, but you get my point) 

Listening to these comments I'd think to myself, "I get it. Your kid is amazing, exceptional, one of a kind."

Last week Jonny's kindergarten class put on a Thanksgiving play. Jonny enthusiastically played the role of a Thanksgiving Turkey. Watching him, I must have looked like a ridiculous overly-proud  mama with the huge grin planted on my face during the entire performance. To me, Jonny's turkey 'strut' and well-rehearsed 'gobble' were hands down the cutest of all the other fellow turkeys. I was beaming with pride for my five-year-old thespian. 

What I'm trying to say is, I'm guilty. 

I've become one of those moms who swells with pride over the accomplishments of her children, whether big or small. When they impress me with their talents, intelligence or kindness I immediately want to share with someone else. The obnoxious over-the-top cheerleader I was in highschool returns in the form of a wide-hipped mama whenever Jonny scores a soccer goal, or Zach remembers to share with his brother, or Dean pees on the potty. I can't help myself. 

And that's ok. Actually, it's important. It makes sense that as moms we naturally feel this amazement with our own children. Because in their own way, each IS special, having come to us with unique talents and gifts.  And as long as I recognize that their innate abilities have come from somewhere beyond my parenting, 

I am giving myself permission to beam and swell and cheer at the goodness that makes 

my little ones who they are. 

And I'm sure an occasional pat on my own back wouldn't hurt. ;) 

Thanksgiving Gratitude

I cant seem to get over this high of Thanksgiving Gratitude. 

Which is great. 

I'm grateful I'm feeling grateful. 

It's true that every year around this time I tend to get extra sentimental and sappy with my thoughts, 

but this year feels special.  

Maybe the extra gratitude comes from the simple fact that we spent this Holiday weekend together as a little family, free of illness or blood issues or visits to the Hospital. 

(which is really saying something considering our Thanksgiving track record) 

Or maybe it's just that our bucket of blessings feels fuller this year 

and we are aware and grateful for the outpouring of blessings from above. 

Whatever the reason, I am soaking it up and making sure to offer extra prayers of thanks 

to Him who offers it all.

Some shots of three of my best blessings

Thanksgiving weekend Hike

Christmas Decorating

 Playing at Home

Happy Thanksgiving

Soccer Mom

Have I mentioned that I am now officially a Soccer Mom?

And were you aware that my four year old soccer son
played in his first soccer game"

And that this little soccer star scored 
two goals his first soccer game?

And played awesome soccer defense, keeping the other team 

from scoring several soccer goals?

And that each time this soccer dude did something he was proud of, he turned to me with a "hey Soccer Mom, did you just see that?" soccer face.

Is is that obvious that I'm a super proud Soccer Mom?

On My Way

Last weekend I ran in the 10k race here in Anthem. Other than missing the start of the race and feeling overheated in the 80 degree morning temperature, the race went well. 

Trevor brought the boys to cheer me on , but they had trouble spotting me. We met up after the race.

Here are a few post-race photos.

 Rebecca and I

My biggest supporter.

Now to find the courage to sign up for the half marathon in a couple months. 

Cap'n Zach

 Zach is Three. 

We celebrated with a Pirate Party. 
The boys enjoyed playing on Cap'n Zach's (very homemade) Pirate Ship.

A few of the the mateys who joined us.

Brothers

We first set out on a treasure hunt. I made miniature treasure maps with a picture of an object. The pirates had to find the object in or around the house to discover the next clue to the treasure map. Little silly, but I think they enjoyed it.

Discovering the treasure chest.

 We played a couple other games like musical islands (musical chairs) and tic toc find the crock (kids took turns hiding the crocodile- a timer that ticked- and had to find it before it stopped ticking/ buzzed). I had planned on playing pirates and sharks (like sharks and minnows) but there wasn't time.

My dad was in town, hooray, and was so helpful with all the kiddos. 

He probably played harder than anyone there. 

Cupcakes and Ice cream

 Presents. 

All decked out with his new spider man cape (thanks grandma and grandpa beesley) lightning mcqueen helmet (thanks grandma & grandpa nielsen) and new bike.

Spider man mask to go with the new cape.

Aunt Staci and Cousin Elijah joined us as well.

Dean seemed to be the most possessive of the new bike.

Each kid left with their pirate hat, eye patch and treasure chest.

Happy Birthday Cap'n Zach.

Date Night

There is something wonderful about a man who plans a date which involves lots of chocolate, 

a zip-line, and live music.

Cheesecake dipped in Chocolate rolled in peanuts. 

Love him for planning a date around things that I love.

To-ing and Fro-ing

Potty Training

To Trevor and my surprise Zach has done swimmingly well with potty training. There have been misses and messes, but the successes are definitely outweighing the accidents. He has done SO well, and I am beyond proud of my soon-to-be 3 year old. Lots of pee and poo victory dances at our house. 

Phonics Practicing

Jonny has been so eager to learn to read, so a few months back I started working with him. This kid blows me away. He is doing so well. He's become a pro at blending the letter sounds and putting together words on his own. I'm just trying my best to keep up with his desire to learn. 

Job Change

Trevor is enjoying his new job (Did I mention he changed jobs?) at Safeway's Corporate Accounting Office. The flexibility in schedule, paid vacations, and close proximity have made us grateful he accepted this new position.

Getting Settled

As for me, I'm trying my hardest to start over and create a new routine in our new town. I am thrilled with my calling as Laurel Advisor (there are 21 laurels in our ward and two advisors). I've found some great girls to workout with. (Still trying to convince someone to run in March's race with me.) Jonny and I are trying out a little preschool class this week, where if things go well, I'll be teaching as well. And for obvious reasons, I'm staying busy at home. (Mom, these are the newly reupholstered chairs. Does the vinyl look tacky?)

Our good friends from college, Matt and Shannon, stayed with us last weekend. Saturday they ran in the Tough Mudder Race. Trevor and I went as spectators to cheer them on and document the craziness.  It was so wonderful to see them, and Shannon (who also has three young boys) and I were wishing we still lived next door to each other. Good times.

More Tough Mudder Photos to come.

And because I can't forget about this little dude...

Love this fearless little chatter box.