Learning and Growing

My entry today is on motherhood. What a joy and a challenge it can be. There are days when I just want to give up and climb in bed and say forget it, I have no clue what I'm doing. Some days it takes everything within me to be patient and loving. On those days, it's hard not to feel like a failure when you loose your temper or run out of patience one too many times. Motherhood is definitely a task that has made me realize how very far away I am from being perfect. Thank goodness there is forgiveness and prayer for those times when I need it. I'm glad Heavenly Father reminds me now and again what a tremendous blessing it is. I have definitely been reminded this sabbath day how richly blessed I am to have the life I do, and the sweet little miracles that stretch and mold me into the person I am to become.

I take comfort in knowing that it's alright for feel frustrated and overwhelmed at times and make mistakes, because I am here to learn. I also take comfort in this talk by Elder Holland. I watch it a lot, it always makes me feel better:)

"I don't feel very well"

The phrase "I don't feel very well" will be heard in our home at least a million times a day by Kellen. He apparently picked up on the fact that when he's ill, he can pretty much be lazy and get what he wants. So, now that he's been fully recovered for months now, he continues to use the phrase before asking for something. It's also said with a big whine, like he's in the greatest pain imaginable. He got us a few times at first, thinking he was really sick, but now it's just like the little boy who cried wolf. If he really is sick, we won't believe him.

For example:
I don't feel very well. I want to watch Elmo.
I don't feel very well. I want some milk.
I don't feel very well. Can I go over to ___ house?

So, apparently he thinks that by using this tactic, he'll get whatever he wants...but he doesn't. So, what we can't seem to figure out is why he keeps saying it over and over and over. Some day he'll realize it's not getting the desired result. Gotta love him for trying though.

P.S. Our camera got sand in it from our California trip. Hoping for a miracle so I can catch up on posts.

Birthday Boy

Here is he reading Grandma and Grandpa Scott's card.

Brady's birthday was great! The day consisted of swimming (which I forgot to get pictures of), presents, cake, playing with toys, and much more. Brady truly is the sweetest baby boy. He has brought so much joy, laughter, and love into our home. I can't believe only a year ago he was born. He has so much personality. He loves taking baths, playing with balls and cars, and making his big brother frustrated. We love you Brady!!!

Brady's 1st Birthday

This little guy turned one today. I have so many pictures and videos I want to post from today but it's late and I'm tired, so I will do it tomorrow. As for now, here he is smiling and happy as ever. I love you Brady.

My little rascals

There are so many things I want to capture and post every day of these two, but it's just finding the time to do it. All I can say for now, is how much I love these two little rascals. They are the two most crazy little boys and keep me very busy, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Brady will be one next week and Kellen will be 3 in October. I wish they didn't have to grow up. Funny, there is only a 5 lb difference between them, and they can fit into the same size diaper. Kellen is going through a phase where he doesn't like eating, it's a big inconvenience for him. I worry a lot about that as of late. A few cute things to mention.
-Brady loves sneaking in Kellen's room and pouncing on him while he's taking a nap.
-Kellen took swim lessons and did so good, he's a natural.
-Brady loves climbing the stairs, now he just needs to learn how to get down them.
-Kellen is so smart...he loves to read books and learn new things, he soaks everything up.
-Brady has 6 teeth now, and loves having his teeth brushed.
-Kellen's favorite toys are cars and trains. He can spend hours lining them up.
-Brady loves balls, he's a pro at throwing them. He loves cars too, and most of the day they fight over them.
-Kellen loves having friends over, and going over to play at their houses.
-Brady loves his blanket, and is so cuddly when he drinks his bottle.
-Kellen loves stickers and doing art-work.

Honolulu Hawaii

I am so behind in blogging. First I need to share about our wonderful trip to Hawaii. My awesome mother came to watch the kids for a week, while Tyler and I went to Hawaii ALONE. Let me tell you, it felt so strange not having kids with us. She was wonderful and did such a good job taking care of them...we know because they never even asked about us. Tyler and I had a fabulous time. It was so nice just being the two of us. We missed the boys a lot, but nothing makes you love your kids more than a little time apart from them. We managed to fill every day with something fun. Some things we did were...
1. Visit Pearl Harbor
2. Swap meet
3. Did a session at the Hawaii Temple
4. Hiked Diamond Head
5. Went snorkling at Hanauma Bay
6. Went to the Polynesian Cultural Center
7. Went to Hank's Hot Dog shop (From Diners Drive-ins and Dives)
8. Visited Waimea and jumped off the rock
9. Visited Turtle Bay Hotel
10. Got Matsumotos Shaved Ice
11. Visited Pali look-out
12. Ate the most amazing food at Duke's Restaurant
13. Witnessed one crazy rainstorm and two amazing rainbows

It seriously was the best trip ever. Tyler and I had a blast soaking up the sun and relaxing also. I hope we can continue doing fun trips like these for years to come. Thank you Hawaii, we love you!

Easter Photo