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? ;)

 

A Cousin's Wedding

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^^^

 

 

An Edition of Family Photos

We stopped and took some photos on our way to a wedding over the weekend.  Jude was mostly interested in picking up rocks and throwing them though. ;)  Enjoy!

The Zoo & Such

I will be the first to admit that I have been more than unproductive on the blog lately.  Let's just chalk it up to spring.  Southwestern Ohio is not known for having the most reliable weather, but we have had some reeeeally nice days the past couple of weeks (weekdays, that is, weekends have been miserably cold).  That being said, by the time I pick up Jude from his mamaw's after work, make dinner, and do any other household duties, it is outside we go.  As I have mentioned before it goes a little like this... Jude + outdoors = all is right with the world.  So in a nutshell, that is where we have been.

Rewind back a couple of weeks to our spring break.  We took it easy most of the break and worked on some things around the house.  One of the highlights of the week was our trip to the Cincinnati Zoo.   Matt & I had the best time experiencing the zoo through our son's eyes.  At every exhibit he was in awe of the animals.  The funniest and slightly embarrassing part of the day was in the transitions of leaving each exhibit for the other Jude thought we were leaving altogether.  This left us with a crying child every few minutes.  He did recover...as soon as he saw another animal.  We went ahead and purchased a family zoo pass, so not to worry, Jude, we will soon return to this great place full of mixed emotions. ;)

^^ This is the faee of a very disappointed child. ^^