Love & Joy

I am kind of loving January. It has such a fresh, clean, new feel to it.

This was our Christmas card this year, for those who haven't seen it. We used our beautiful new family photo by Noelle, and I just wanted it to say Love & Joy.
 
This is my mantra for 2014.

When the going gets tough as a mom, I hold on to these ideas. Love comes first. It comes before yelling in anger, before time-outs and punishments... Now I don't always get these in the right order, but sometimes I remember that a child acting up might just need a hug because I've been so busy that I haven't gotten on their level to tell them I love them, and they are calling out for attention. That is not to say that there isn't room for real consequences, but just a reminder to myself (many times a day) that I love these little people with all my heart and my words and actions need to show it.

I have a little chalk board in my mud room that I look at often. Originally I intended to write inspirational quotes there and change them monthly or so, but it turns out that the one I first wrote there continues to be too relevant that I can't change it:

"The trick is to enjoy life. Don't wish away your days, waiting for better ones ahead." -Marjorie Pay Hinckley

No matter what my day is like, there is good to be found in it.

Even though Tyler picked on Jake all morning, later he brought him a favorite and shared it with him.

Ella told me last night at the table that she loved dinner, and said "Yay for Mommy for making it! Let's give her a round of applause!" and everyone clapped in circles. Dinnertime is not always a happy time, but I'll take a good one now and then.

She also told me that I am exactly who she would have picked to be her mommy in heaven. I'm so glad.

I've been teaching Maddie that she is a big girl and can do lots of things to help without me asking, so yesterday morning I came to the kitchen to find her hair brushed and the breakfast dishes laid out. Sometimes I think she just needs a nudge of confidence to know that I believe in her.

Potty training Ty has been rough, but the last week or so he has finally mastered it. I would always tell myself "this too shall pass" while I was cleaning up accidents, and it finally has. Last night we forgot to put him in a bedtime diaper, and he woke up dry! He's getting to be such a big boy. My favorite silly thing he says right now is "What's it called again?" when he can't remember something. How can you not love this silly face?

Jake is always my sweet spot. His gummy grins, rolls, chubby cheeks, and preference for me over anybody else are so endearing. I might just have to keep having babies so I can always have that little one to love! (ha ha)

We've been enjoying the sunsets lately, and the kids were excited that this had everybody's favorite color in it: red for Maddie, pink for Ella, and blue for Ty.

Yes, my life is pretty full of love & joy.