Weekly Update beginning February 13, 2022

Sunday, February 13, 2022

I wanted to write something meaningful from a talk that I gave today in church, but I’m too tired to think clearly. So enjoy these pictures and this story.

(I made everyone take a picture with me because we were ready earlier than expected!)

I was up on the stand during church, waiting to give a talk, when I see Christopher holding Peter at arms length out of the chapel, with Jacob close behind. Peter had peed his pants and they went to get his extra clothes in the van. Our friends sitting by us, cleaned up the pee from the chair and I think even a book, 😬 and sat with the other kids while Jacob was out. Always a party with us!

Monday, February 14, 2022

I spent the majority of today making these fun treats and a favorite dinner for the kids, granted the drinks didn’t take that long but they still required effort. I wanted to make them, I couldn’t wait to see the kids’ reactions to them, and I was happy making them, but at the end of the day I was spent! Also it was way too much sugar for one day.

So lessons I learned from spending all day making giant cookies for 12 people and stuff:

I still love the idea and love the thought of that being a tradition my kids remember about their childhood, but maybe don’t try and do it all on the actual day.

I spent more time making these cookies, that are now eaten or in pieces somewhere, than I did actually connecting with my children. Yes, I said I loved them through food, but maybe next time make sure they also know it from more of the quality time, affirming words, and physical touch I give them.

I only have so much energy to dispense throughout the day. When I spend a lot in order to get something done, I’m going to empty out sooner than I want. Next time I need to pace myself!

Overall, I would call it a good day. Jacob got me flowers and put up our family pictures that have been laying around for months. I got him Creamies and Arby’s for lunch. He worked all day, I was busy with the kids all day, and we’re still in love. I’m so grateful that I married my best friend, because these holidays come and go and our love just keeps getting stronger! ❤️

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Little known fact about me: I’m tongue tied. I can’t stick out my tongue hardly at all, because the flap of skin goes all the way to the tip of my tongue. So this picture of Henry makes me laugh because there’s no way I could do that!

Also he is just oozing joy and happiness. He got to sit on my lap while we waited for Thomas in the school pick up line, and he thought it was the coolest thing. And I think he’s the cutest thing, so it all works out.

Also also, I ate most of my big heart sugar cookie that I made yesterday for breakfast today. It was delicious and I regret nothing. But also I worked out right after and I felt so strong and ready to take on the day. I’m not saying that if you eat a big cookie for breakfast you’re day will go well…. I’m just saying that happened to me! 😉😄

Wednesday, February 16, 2022

Accurate depiction of me today. 😴

I was so tired today, and I let myself rest and take as many naps as I needed, which is kind of a new thing for me. I was talking about it tonight with Jacob, just how far I’ve come in listening to myself, trusting my body and emotions, releasing all of the expectations that I was putting on myself.

I used to think I could and should do it all, push through it, don’t eat that, always do this, and I was never good enough for the narrative I had made for myself in my head. A narrative that was so subconscious that I had no idea it was there or when it came to be, but I’m slowly tackling them nativities as they show now.

I’m just so grateful to not feel bogged down with unrealistic expectations, that seemed very realistic at the time. It’s a very freeing feeling and gives a lot more space for joy, laughter, and silliness in my life.

Also I’m really grateful for Jacob, who has always been there for me, cheering me on. Reminding me over and over that I AM truly enough, until I could start to see it and feel it for myself. He always was there to support me, but all the while telling me how capable and great I am.

It’s nice to have reflective moments occasionally to see just how far you’ve come! 🥰

Thursday, February 17, 2022

A little potty training update!? Well he’s not the absolute golden child like I thought he would be, today he peed his pants 3 times.

BUT I haven’t really put much thought or energy into doing anything, other than that first day. And thinking back, most of my kids took a good month of accidents before they got it down. I think I just need to be more conscience of it, I often forget until he says he has to go or has already gone.

Moral of my story: This go around, I’m not stressing the small stuff. I’m going with the flow and knowing that he’ll get there eventually. I’m not as upset with accidents or regressions.

*Also, is it weird that I’m kind of savoring it? I mean I hate potty training, I’ve suffered through it with 9 kids, but knowing that it’s my last time makes it somehow tug on my mommy heart strings. It doesn’t make sense, and yet I’m guessing I’m going to go through this feeling a lot with this cute last kiddo of ours! 🥰

Saturday, February 19, 2022

Today was a clean out the garage while the littles play in the yard, Dad takes 2 kids out for an adventure with just him, go play frisbee at the park until the sun goes down, and end the night with a date kind of day. And I needed it!