This Weekend...

If this holiday weekend is any indication of how our summer is going to be, then I'm thinking we are in for a busy yet exciting one.  Jude was plenty happy, because we mostly did things that he would enjoy.  On Saturday, I think we were outside more than inside, and of course, he was terribly pleased with that.  We took him to the park on Saturday evening.  Not sure what he liked best, playing on the playground or chasing bunny rabbits.  One thing is for sure, he still hates swinging!  We are not really sure how to cure him of that one.  ;)

Photos Courtesy of myPhone

Becoming a Mom

 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. ;)

Celebrating Our Nephew

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? ;)