Happy Mothers' Day!

I found this cute poem and thought I would share it.

What is a Mother's love?
It is something that is very, very special.
It is something that no one can really explain.
It's something that is made up of much deep devotion, joy, pain and sacrifice.
It is endless and unselfish and it endures whatever may come.
It is full of hopes, dreams, tears and pleasure.
Nothing can ever destroy it or take that special love away.
It is very patient and forgiving.
A Mother's love is a lifelong commitment to selflessness.
More often than not, it requires much more giving than receiving.
But it is something that is given with delight, gratitude, enthusiasm and much satisfaction.
A Mother's love never fails or falters even though the heart is breaking.
It is always believing when all the rest of the world is condemning.
A Mother's love is a splendored miracle that man cannot understand.
It is something that cannot be measured, for it has no beginning or no end.

I have been thinking a lot about what I have learned since becoming a mom and how I have changed, and I think it has been a lot. I thought I would share a few.
1.I have learned that a kiss from mom really does make "owies" all better.
2. I have learned that I am not quite as patient as I thought I was, and it is actually something I need to work at.
3. I have learned what it looks like at the wee hours of the morning and how to stay awake really late.
4. I have remembered how fun it is to just play.
5. I have learned what and how deep true love is.
6. I have learned what it really is to sacrifice; sleep, the last cookie, your favorite show, time, and so much more.
7. I have learned that sacrificing so much somehow makes you feel good.
8. I have learned there is such thing as love at first sight.
9. I have learned how exciting the world can be.
10. I have learned how much I love being a mom.

Dandelions or Sunflowers?

Much to my annoyance, dandelions have been popping up everywhere in our yard. I cannot tell you how much I despise dandelions; probably because every Spring they take over our yard and it seems as if we spend the entire summer trying to keep them at bay. Gracie, however, loves them! Everytime she sees those little yellow demons popping up she says "Mom look at the beautiful sunflowers!" and then proceeds to pick as many as she can for me to put in a vase and put on display in the house. Today, I was digging up a few from my flower bed and she was traumatized that I would kill the flowers. You are probably wondering where I am going with this. . . After Gracie's and my conversation about why I was killing the dandelions/sunflowers, I started thinking how nice it would be to have the heart and mind of a 3 year old. To look at everything and everyone for the good that is in them instead of the bad. They seem to be able to find joy in everything. When or where in our lives to we lose that? I have decided to try to look at the world more as a child does, I am willing to bet it will make a big difference. So my point is enjoy the dandelions!

Peter Pan Syndrome

Do any of you ever get really sad when you think about your little ones growing up? I 'm sure I'm not the only one having issues with this. I just love my little girls so much; I love when they cuddle with me and Durke in the mornings, I love when they climb up on my lap, or fall asleep in my arms. I don't ever want them to get big, and not want to hug me anymore, or even worse get so big that they move away. That sounds like the most horrible thing ever. I know that all stages of life are probably fun and we can learn a lot, but I am selfish and I never want Gracie and Abi to get bigger than they are right now.

General Conference...

I love General Conference. It is so nice to be able to have our leaders speak to us. I don't know about you but it seems like every time I feel that one or two talks are just for me; this conference was no different. I loved Elder Ballard's talk to the young mothers. It gave me a little boost of energy to keep going. Motherhood can be very difficult and sometimes it does feel like we're doing it all alone. It is so comforting to know that Heavenly Father knows how we feel and is there to help. I also liked the little bit to the husbands, boy am I going to use that against Durke! I also really liked Elder Russel M. Nelson's talk and when he said "Do not try to control your children. Instead, listen to them, help them to learn the gospel, inspire them, and lead them toward eternal life." What great advice for all of us parents. President Monson is so amazing. He is so sweet and such a great example. I hope you all enjoyed conference too.

My little princess...

My grandma gave Gracie this little hair wrap a few weeks ago. She loves to wear it, and I think she looks so cute. After her bath, she struts around the house and says "Ooo, look at the pretty princess". I need to film it so I can use it as blackmail in the future, but for now I think it is pretty cute.

Happy Easter!!!

Easter is one of my favorite holidays. I love Spring, coloring eggs, watching how excited the little ones are when they finally get to hunt for candy, and I really love being the Easter Bunny. When I was little I always looked forward to my new Easter dress. I thought these two looked so darn cute, I had to post this picture. I hope you all had a fun Easter weekend too.

Durke's Bike Race in St. George. He did great and we had a lot of fun!!!