Yeah Right!

I tried to be creative with my day today. I wanted to take some fun pictures of the kids. No one was very cooperative. None of the self timer pictures turned out. I have the lamest camera in the world. Plus I have no editing software. Im too cheap to buy photoshop. So, here is what turned out. Not great but you can see I had good intentions.

Mommy Reminder

I've been thinking about some important decisions lately. There is so much I want to do in life. So much I want to be and experience. But, I realize there is a season for all these things.

I love being a mom and I feel a desire to be home with my boys while they are little. To be here and enjoy these precious fleeting moments. Sure, being a mom isnt all fun and smiles. There is pressure and disappointments. Sacrifices and personal pursuits in limbo. This is to be expected and isnt always welcome.

There was a time in life where I never thought I would have these moments. Motherhood seemed so unattainable. That too was a difficult time with its own challenges. My perspective has changed alot. Im grateful and sometimes need a jog to my memory.

I recently read this and found it re-kindled my earnest desire to be a good mother and go without some of the things that I imagine would define me like: a college degree, a paycheck, a career, nice clothes, unlimited ME time for workouts and play, unlimited couples time for Mike and I, dining out, toys ,etc.

Its always nice to have a reminder, especially from someone whom I feel is inspired. I hope it may be just the thing one of you may need to read on an especially rough day in mommyhood. Or, if you dont have kids, its still good advice when in any family relationship.

“The family by its very nature is an institution based upon righteous self-denial and sacrifice. It is not an individualistic or self-centered organization, but a highly cooperative and other-centered institution. Successful families require that men and women make substantial and long-term sacrifices of their time, money, and personal fulfillment in order to dedicate their efforts to rearing the next generation. Selfishness in any form or degree weakens the bonds that hold families together. The rise of selfishness in our society is the fundamental underlying trend that undermines families and makes successful marriages so difficult. Many today find it irrational to devote so much time and energy to the welfare of the next generation, but if this commitment is not deeply rooted in society, civilization will decline and perish, while children grow up in a moral wasteland, confused, unguided, and unloved.

“Moreover, the sacrifices that fathers and mothers make for their children ultimately will result in the greatest possible happiness for those making the sacrifices. In all of human experience, there are no joys more tender, no love more sweet, no fulfillment higher than that found in the family. Those who honor the calling of righteous parenthood will find their souls refined, their hearts purified, and their minds enlightened by the most important lessons of life. They will rise to far greater heights of happiness than those who engage in the narrow and ultimately unsatisfying pursuit of self.”

Bruce D. Porter, "Defending the family in a troubled world", The Ensign, June 2011.

Happy Halloween

Halloween has come and gone. Pheew!! Its always crazy trying to get everyone to decide what they want to be and get them dressed. The Wards Trunk or Treat was one batch of costumes. The trick or treating was another. Gesh! Too much candy. This year, some of last years costumes were recycled. Some of us just cant be creative , I guess (yes, Im talking mainly about me!) I went as a fat, old mother that has boys...oh wait, that is my everyday outfit. As you can see, we had a great time.

The neighborhood block party was a hit with the kids. So was Mikey's Burger King costume.

Good thing he had on a dress, it was HOT. 89 degrees was our daily high. It was too hot for Asher to wear his NASCAR outfit again on Halloween Eve so he opted for Luigi. Zach was both Superman and WolfMan, Tanner was Darth Vader and Superman. Crew was a cute little cow.
Hope you had a Happy Halloween.

Aunt Khyra and cousin Damon came to Trunk or Treat.

Look, its cow and chicken.