Being the Wilson's

 Do you know that feeling you get when you finish something that was really challenging?  I mean, the kind of something that you had to work really hard at and maybe even wanted to give up at times, but you stuck with it.  That feeling of completion is uh-mazing and oh, so rewarding!!!  Ever since I became a mother, this is exactly how I feel at the end of each day.  It is not the easiest task...being a mom (and all of the mothers say "amen").   One moment you feel as though you have it all under control and then, in the next moment you want to pull your hair out, scream, and perhaps even run away.  From being pregnant, to giving birth, to nurturing an infant, to understanding a toddler...each new phase brings new difficulties, BUT it's always the best ever and definitely rewarding.  There are plenty of days that I think, "I have no clue what I am doing!", but it is in those times I pray for God's grace to cover my faults.  I have found the greatest fulfillment in this calling of motherhood.  I sometimes reflect and cannot even remember what life was like before I had Jude.  I am so blessed that God allowed me to raise this precious boy.  Matt & I have been praying for another little one to join our family and know it will happen in His timing, but until then we will be taking it one day at a time with our little fellow.   So to all of the moms out there, "Don't give up!".  Our role is possibly the most important one out there.  Keep on loving, caring, and giving.  And at the end of each day, realize you made it through and then get some rest, because of course you will definitely need it. ;)

Birthday parties should occur everyday.  I mean, what's not to like about birthday cake, fun themes, games, food, birthday cake, family, friends, and did I mention birthday cake???  We celebrated with my nephew, JJ (aka Blayze), on his first birthday recently, and let me tell you this boy is already a heartbreaker.  His baby blues, white-blonde hair, and sweetest smile are enough to make you want to squeeze him so hard so his cuteness will rub off on you.  My sister and brother-in-law outdid themselves with these party plans.  The theme was safari, so the location was very appropriate at Jump Stop Safari in Lebanon, OH.  We had the entire place to ourselves and the kids (and, ahem, the adults) loved the games and activities.  It was definitely a party for the young and old.  This little man's big day of partying turned out to be pretty amazing.  Happy birthday, Blayze!  Now, whose birthday is next? ;)

I love this time of year because our mailbox starts filling up with wedding invites for the spring and summer.  We went to Matt's cousin Kyle's wedding on Saturday.  It was a lovely afternoon.  Jude lasted until the wedding party made it to the altar.  Our bag of tricks got old pretty quick (speaking of which, I have to come up with some seat activities for him...any ideas?).  So outside we went.  We ran around until the ceremony was over.  Then, off to the reception at a nearby venue.  Can I just say, I wish everyone would have this menu at their wedding.  I mean...char-grilled burgers, brats, and hot dogs with some yummy sides to accompany them.  You really can't go wrong with that.  It was the best time with family and friends.  Oh, and of course Jude loved getting passed around and showing off his skills. ;)

^^^See what I mean^^^