You Know You're a Mama if...

You've replaced "the outfit" with "the yoga pants"

I've heard it said, "The problem with stretchy pants is you can gain twenty pounds and not notice"

Problem? I say miracle!

You've made friends with the ants- at least SOMEONE will clean up around here!

Your yard is littered with designer plastic toys.

Your sink is CONSTANTLY bursting with grimy dishes.
In the words of a dear friend, "We're like a family of locusts consuming everything in sight."
At least locusts don't leave behind dirty dishes.

Where's my miracle of the seagulls?

The novel has replaced the "single with no responsibilities or attachments" feeling.

You can't get "The Wheels on the Bus" out of your head.

You ate Kraft Mac n Cheese for lunch and enjoyed it.

You recognize that every mess is one baby step closer to independence.

Both liberating and heartbreaking at the same time.

You get to hear face squishingly adorable things like, "Mommy? When we fly in the airplane to Utah, can we get my purple balloon?"

(Yes, the loss of the purple balloon was a tragedy in our house)

You've honestly forgotten how to converse with adults.

Chocolate has become a survival technique.

You are touched (you cry like a baby) from movies, TV commercials, school programs, t-ball games, family trips, primary programs, and everyday regular moments because "beautiful" and "touching" have taken on a whole new meaning.

You drive a MINI VAN- nuff said.

You can't see your couch due to the piles of laundry.

Your fridge is cluttered with priceless treasures.

Your pantry is stuffed with high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors and (gasp) partially hydrogenated oils.

Your beautiful children have encrusted bogies all over their faces and you ... wait a minute ... NOPE- don't care.

The only time you get "all dolled up" is for church.

You would go through months and even years of trying to get pregnant, just to endure nine months of semi-torture and excruciating labor and all night cry fests and engorgement and temper tantrums AGAIN.

Because yes, it's SO worth it.

So come on in, get comfortable (move the laundry out of the way first), and laugh with us.

The Cheese Stands Alone

The Hidden Beach

We promised Hyrum a trip to the beach during Bry's break. The poor kid was getting very frustrated when we kept stopping at old buildings and museums. We were constantly diverting his attention by challenging him to find "wild animals". He'd say, "Renember Daddy, when you see a wild animal, point and scweam."

We were elated and surprised when we accidentally came upon a darling little beach in Yorktown. Hyrum was satisfied, and we didn't have to drive another hour to Virginia Beach- win, win.

It was a terrific break. It's so amazing to have Bry home all day to play and help. Now it's back to the old school grindstone again. Bry is the Class President so he's a little extra busy, but I'm proud of him. He's a great leader. We are becoming more accustomed to the strenuous schedule.

I have grown so much in the short time that we've been here. Sometimes I feel like being away from dear home and family is like "life boot camp". I've tried to stop being a "victim" and start choosing happiness. I'm not saying that some days aren't difficult, but it's not worth complaining and grumbling. It's so easy to focus on the negatives, but I'm avoiding that as much as possible. Scripture study, fervent and constant prayer, exercise, music, books, creativity, and laughing have become my most important allies against despair and depression.

My outlook on motherhood has completely changed too. Being a mom was the only thing I ever wanted to do. I used to pretend like I had other aspirations, but deep inside I only wanted to be a mommy. That's why I was so stunned when it didn't come completely natural to me. I used to feel so trapped and claustrophobic. But recently I realized that I'm not stuck here, I could walk out at any time. For some reason the realization was so liberating. I'm staying at home because I think it's what's best for my family. I have no boss or paycheck or quarterly evaluation or any substantial way to measure how well I'm doing- maybe that's why motherhood is so difficult. It is a real sacrifice. I still have so many goals and dreams that either need to be put off or just stretched out over time- but who said sacrifice can't be fun too?

Sewing, Weaving, and Dyeing

We had a chance to do some super fun touristing during the Summer break and took way too many pictures! We visited Jamestown, Williamsburg, and Yorktown. One of the Colonial time business signs in Williamsburg read' "Sewing, Weaving, and Dyeing".

Somehow that sums up traveling with kids perfectly.

My favorite author Shannon Hale wrote, "Memory ached in its stone arches, crept down its narrow alleys..." This is the feeling I get when we visit these cherished sites. It always makes my heart full to discover the struggle, sacrifice and resilience of our early settlers. Did you know that 6 out of 7 people died in the Jamestown settlement? They would have never survived if it wasn't for the Powhatan tribe. It was perfect to visit these treasured spots right before Memorial Day. I'm so grateful for the people that have sacrificed to make this country so blessed and free and awesome!

Landscaping Warriors

On the first weekend of our summer break we busted out a pretty cool new backyard. We decided to wait until the fall for grass- bummer (but apparently smarter).

Here's before: (We installed the stone wall thingy)

Yes! I count my blessings everyday 'cuz I married a construction worker!

AND... after:





So far I have loved pretending to have a green thumb.
One day I hope I won't have to pretend anymore- which means I will know what I'm doing! Thanks for all the hard work Bry!

Yes, We Think We Can Dance

In honor of our favorite show here's our first (posted) dance video.

Soccer umm... Adventure?

We had such high hopes.

Normally Hyrum would be overjoyed racing around the grass,

chasing a ball with little ones his own size.

We don't know if it was the shin guards, cleats, screaming parents, or restraining rules,

but instead of being enthusiastic like this:

He was usually moping- much more like this:


We did catch him in a few happy moments.

We have HAMMERED certain rules into Hyrum's sweet little head:

SHARE

DON'T PUSH

TAKE TURNS

PLAY NICELY

One day, I hope he'll enjoy throwing the rules out the window the second that whistle blows.