Slightly stressed

We have had this trip planned/booked since January and have been looking forward to it since then. Now that we are about to leave, I am slightly freaking out. You know how we're spending a few days in St. George in a gigantic house? Well, there's going to be 20 adults and 22 kids there. That is sounding a little crazy at this point. I'm a little nervous about it. We have to prepare a meal for them too. I'm also a little nervous about how Mya is going to handle all the driving and being away from home and getting off her schedule. Oh then there's Disneyland. That is giving me a little anxiety as well. And we've never been away from home for 12 consecutive days. But vacations are supposed to be relaxing and stress free, right? So I am going to stop worrying and have a good time. Especially since Jarom is using virtually all of his remaining vacation time for the year to go to scout camp and youth conference. This is our main/only family trip for the year except maybe a few weekends here and there.

Quack & Donkey

These two ducks have taken up residence in our front yard. The green one is Quack and the brown one is Donkey, I think. I better double check that with Jacob.

Going on a trip

We are leaving in 4 days. And Jacob is so excited. Earlier today I was putting Mya to sleep, and Jacob was busy doing his thing. When I came out to see what he was doing he had been "packing" for our trip. He'd gotten some food out for us, filled up some measuring cups with water so we could have a drink. He got his pajamas out and all the swimming stuff. He even loaded up the car with pillows. Then he told me I could choose a couple toys to take so I picked up a couple cars, and he added a couple animals. He kept asking me if I was sure I only wanted the two. I kept telling him we weren't leaving for a few more days, and he'd just say, "I know Mom, we're just pretending." I love that boy!!!

7 days

In one week we will be here. Playing in the sun with friends, food, and fun. From there , we will be going here . I can't wait. And we will make a side trip to Aurora in between for one last hurrah at NSHS!

Yummy!!!

I made these for dinner tonight. Oh my gosh! They were so good. In fact, I want to eat the leftovers right now. I can't wait til tomorrow. Thanks for the yummy recipe, Maria!

Yesterday I had a rare opportunity to take Mya shopping alone. Just the two of us. And I walked around Target snorting like a pig and making other silly noises just to hear her giggle. I'm certain I had some strange looks, but I didn't care. I. LOVE. HER. LAUGH.

I love him. I miss him when he is at work. He works so hard for our family, and I am so grateful for that.

Mornings

I. HATE. MORNINGS. I am not a morning person. I have a hard time getting going before 8:00 a.m. I also have a 6 month old baby who has become an early bird. I awake to her playing with my nose and eyes and mouth at 6:30 a.m. When I open my eyes and see her give me the biggest smile I forget to be grumpy that it's so early. There is not better way to start the day.

That's My Boy

I didn't really have any "joyous" moments yesterday. It was just a really crappy day. I did have a proud mommy moment though so maybe that counts. Jacob is such a sweet boy, and sometimes he gets picked on by his friends because he's so nice. He doesn't fight back. It was getting to a point where I didn't want to have friends over anymore because he was tattling on them and crying constantly because they took one of his toys or hit him. Jarom & I have both been trying to teach him to stick up for himself with his friends and other kids. It's finally paying off. Don't be surprised if you ever him say, "I don't like that. If you do it again, I will wack you." Well, yesterday we went to Wheeler Farm for a preschool field trip, and he was playing in the playhouse with another little boy (not from school). Then the sweet little girls that are in his class came to play too, and one of them burst down the stairs just sobbing. Her mom got out of her that the other little boy had told her she couldn't play with them. In the meantime, Jacob had come out to check on Aliyah. When he heard why she was sad, he marched back in the playhouse and told the other boy to let his friend play and that he wasn't being nice. He then came back outside to get Aliyah and Sophia to come play again. He was so sweet with them. Loved it!

My Life

Last night I was catching up on this blog found here which led me to think about my own life as a stay-at-home mom. Stephanie's story is amazing and inspiring, but I mostly love how she blogs about the simple things in life--her husband (I love that she calls him Mr. Neilsen), kids, and other things that bring her joy. And I thought I am going to do that. I am going to do one post a day about something that brought me joy that day. Then today came. And today I feel scattered and forgetful and unorganized and cold and tired and overwhelmed. But every day does have a moment of joy doesn't it??? I will find mine today.