How I feel about...Motherhood

Yes.  I think it's safe to say I had a good Mother's Day.  Fabulous actually.

Hmmm...All of April in Pictures.

Timberline boys basketball made it to the finals for State.  One of the boys' favorites from our ward is on the team.  We headed to the tournament to show our support.  Go Wolves!

The boys have been earning a trampoline!  This sticker chart made my the Dad adorns our fridge and is about 15 stickers away from full!  To say that they are excited is an understatement.  They have done well to earn their stickers and I'm one proud Mom!

These two are good Dads to their dogs.

Carson and Cade LIVE on their bikes.  They rode the "pedal bike" until in could be ridden no more.  The front wheel split beyond repair.  RIP Pedal Bike.  You served us well.

Easter cookies.  I thought of this all by myself last minute.  I'm now patting myself on the back!

These two (especially Cade) are very much into dress-up and make believe.  They spent their day in my shoes with big ol' purses.  Sometimes its painful to watch your children act like you.  Talk about a reality check!

These three cute cousins were acting like a train at Grandma's.  Cade was the engine with a flashlight nose to lead the way.

I just love this street.  It is miles long and leads right to our street.  It is lined on both sides with these trees...they bloom white and pick.  Spring and Fall are the BEST!

Friends and the Zoo.  Birds in the nest!

Stopping to smell the roses...er...look at bugs!  Bike rides wouldn't be complete without bugs.

Cute friends after preschool.  This was during their Dr. Seuss week.  They are wearing Hortin the Elephant ears.

I love you green smoothies.  You get veggies and protein in my boys without them even realizing!

Ready to hike Table Rock!

Daddy go-kart and little boy go-kart (courtesy of the Easter Bunny).

Lots of go-kart rides happening here!  Come on over and take a spin.  You won't regret it.  I think Shane's top speed is 40 MPH.  A little scary.  I'm sure a helmet will save him in a fiery crash, don't you?!? 

Carson continues to stash his stuff anywhere and everywhere.  I don't even want to know where all our hidden treasures could be.  But every time I find some, it makes me smile.

Sharing the Good News

These past few months have been life changing for us. They have been filled with lots of ups and downs, prayer, excitement, peace, prayer, prayer, prayer!, more ups and downs, and more peace. Clear as mud? I am in a place I never thought I'd be and it is wonderful. At this point in my life, there is no doubt in my mind that a loving God is aware of me and His guiding hand is felt regularly. I am deeply grateful for His love and plan of happiness.

That being said it is time to spread the good news. We are hoping to adopt. I get emotional even typing it. My heart is full. That is they only way I can explain the way I feel. Our profile through LDS Family Services should go LIVE in a few weeks. I can't even believe it. The mounds and mounds of paperwork is daunting and has consumed me completely for the past 2 months. But we are through it and it feels amazing. Then the waiting begins. There are so many unknowns and we are doing our best to throw all of our expectations out the window because of the reality of the situation. Most couples wait and wait and wait and wait some more. All the while we are holding onto our hope. How can anyone let go of hope? It is what makes life wonderful.

I believe whole heartedly that we are doing the right thing, whatever that means...regardless of the outcome. I am excited at the chance that might be given us to share our love and add another member to our family. In the meantime, we will be sharing our story and getting the word out...in hopes that it might lead us to our miracle. You never know who it might reach. I have created a new blog that is adoption specific. It still may receive some face-lifts but it's close! If you're interested, take a look and share it if you are able.

Click HERE

Faith is a beautiful thing. I have been reminded that we must take steps into the dark before we see the light. As we have done this and continue to do so, our faith only grows. As we move forward, without fear and nothing wavering, we are blessed and strengthened. This, I know for sure.

A Better Me

These last 6 months have been enlightening for me. As the year started anew, so did my resolve to be a better follower of Christ. I feel that, most days, it gets easier and I am becoming better. I've been listening to General Conference talks and to the Scriptures daily. Listening to them has changed my world! My level of success in this has dramatically increased since starting this. It's the most successful I've been...EVER. And it shows. I feel like I've so much more internalized the counsel given and have felt an understanding beyond my norm. Scriptures and thoughts have been brought into remembrance, which has always been my struggle...remembering what I read. Applications to my current, everyday life are being made. Modern day miracle in the life of one Amy Jo! I know that my brain isn't getting any sharper or that I'm all of a sudden smarter. Promptings from the Spirit have been felt and recognized. I know that when we put the Savior first and make the connection between knowing and doing, we are blessed and our testimonies and faith strengthened.

I've been serving with the primary children for many years now. Looking back I can remember little moments that happened as I hear a song we learned, or an experience shared. Oh the power of music! It's amazing to me how quickly memories are triggered by song. Anyway, the theme in primary this year is

Choose the Right: "Choose you this day whom ye will serve; . . . but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord" (Joshua 24:15)

Raising little ones brings along the opportunity to teach about the gift of agency and the consequences that come from the decisions we make. I hear myself saying things like, "Is that a good choice or a bad choice?" or "Try really hard to make good choices" or "What happens if you make a bad choice?" It's comical to think of how many times these words make it out of my mouth in a single day. Then Sundays are filled with songs that remind us of the blessings that come from making wise decisions. It is clear to me that this gentle reminder that has come from merely serving where I've been asked is for me, if not for anyone else! It has caused me to think about my choices. And not the big, life altering choices, but the seemingly small day to day and hour to hour choices. We have a lot of choices to be made in a single day! Never before have I been drawn to think about my hourly choices, until now. This has made a huge difference in my life. By breaking things down, I feel like I've better used my gift of agency. I've chosen to make that phone call that has been weighing on my mind, to be the first to initiate a conversation with my neighbor, to take 5 minutes over breakfast to read scripture stories to my kids, to be more gentle in my responses to my family, to open the manual for Sundays' lessons, to get down on the floor for play time, to be more disciplined in my spending, to turn off the TV and get to bed earlier, to write that thank you note, to take bread to the sisters I visit teach, to put on a smile when my husband walks through the door, and to get on my knees to pray. Does this mean that I'm perfect? Absolutely not. Far from it. Mistakes are still made...daily. But it does mean that I'm trying harder and moving forward, while focusing on small victories that may not have been present before. I find that I am telling myself, "Now Amy...try really hard to make good choices." So what if I treat myself the same as a 4 year old! It seems to be helping. I love the words that come from our new primary song, "As a Child of God." These are the words that have helped me to do better in choosing the right, in making that connection between knowing and doing, and in turn becoming a better follower of Christ.

"I came to earth with power to choose. Good choices bless me and my family too. As a child of God I receive special light. The Holy Ghost helps me to know what is right."

Quiet Time Thoughts

While I sit childless in my quiet home (thank you preschool) I can't help but think about my boys. I don't know if it is because everyone told me FOUR was a good age and to enjoy it (mental game...our minds are powerful you know) or if it really is a magical age, but things are good. I really am enjoying everyday moments. They are playing so well together and can stay in their make believe world all day long. Having twins is pretty great! The other morning as the garbage truck was making its rounds, I teasingly asked Cade if he wanted to get in the garbage bin and go live in the garbage truck. He gave it some thought and just kept looking at me like...are you serious mom? As the truck came down our street I picked Cade up and said hurry...he's coming...let's get you ready for the truck! Right then, Carson got all teary eyed and blocked the front door. He told me I couldn't take Cade. When I asked him why, he said with a little quiver, "'cause then we wouldn't be twins anymore." Oh man. It was the cutest thing ever! Of course I reassured him that I wasn't going to take Cade to live in the garbage truck...the boys are used to my teasing but I guess this hit a little too close to home for Mr. Carson. :)

Riding in the car with these two is funny. They both start up their engines, rev their motors, hold on to fake steering wheels, and drive right along with me. And not for a couple of minutes. The WHOLE drive...no matter how long. They each make sure I know what kind of car or truck they are driving. That's important you know. Needless to say, they make their dad proud. In fact, the other night at dinner I asked the boys what they were going to get for their dad for his upcoming birthday. Cade immediately smiled and said, "A new engine for his go-kart!" Talk about a thoughtful boy! They love Saturdays with Dad and spend most working with him in the garage.

When we drive into the church parking lot each Sunday, Carson immediately takes note of whose cars are in the parking lot. I don't know how he knows what everyone in the ward drives, but he does. And then during Sacrament Meeting he waves to all his adult friends and takes note of who is missing. He is such a people person and can't stand to just sit still a whole hour until he can make his rounds. The other week I was getting after him to sit quietly the last 10 minutes or so of the meeting. He just looked at me with this distressed face and said, "Mom, you're driving me crazy!" I have no idea where he learned this phrase. :) Carson needs lots of love and affection. Have you read "The 5 Love Languages"? Carson's love language is hands down physical touch. He wants to be as close to you as physically possible and often is. He is full of love and shows it. Everyday he tells me...."Mom, you're kinda pretty" and "I just love you so so much!" He is the first to notice my hair, clothes, and accessories and is always very complimentary. So observant. He knows the way into a woman's heart!!! Carson is still singing constantly. We are still hearing, "Santa Claus is Coming to Town," "Jingle Bells," "ABCs," and "Follow the Prophet" very regularly. He sings at the TOP of his lungs and makes up his own words.

Cade is very much into doing cool tricks and Kung Fu. He's got a competitive and aggressive side. He loves a good battle. I must say, he does have some pretty sweet moves. Whenever we have a Kung Fu show down and I fall over in defeat he proudly says, "Mom I died you!" Such a boy. He loves making skid marks with his bike tires, playing games, rolling in the snow, acting like Superman, jumping in puddles, and digging in the mud. And like I mentioned before, when it comes to his dad, he is his biggest fan. Caders isn't a huge fan of rules and completing tasks set by his parents, like most kids. But he always makes me a deal. He reassures me that whatever the task at hand, he will do it when he's 5. "Mom, I'll clean my room when I'm 5. Kids when they're 4 they don't put their own shoes on, just when they're 5. Mom I'll wait to write my name when I'm 5. How 'bout I eat vegetables when I'm 5." Wow. Year 5 is going to be a big one for him! He'll have lots to do...I'm keeping track! Cade loves having dance parties with me. He likes me to turn up the music and rock out. With every song that comes on he says "oh...this is my favorite song." His most consistent requests are "Rumor Has It" by Adele, "Don't Stop" by Foster the People, and "Hey Mama" by Mat Kearney. We have some good dancing going on in our house. The boys love to giggle and tell me I'm crazy. I do tend to get a little out of control. What's that saying..."Dance like nobody's watching." I take it to heart...and Carson and Cade are there to witness it. Lucky boys.

Life is good.

This & That & Lots of It!

Miss Amber is off on a new adventure...in Texas! We had one last hurrah before the moving truck leaves town. As always, it was wonderful to eat good food and catch up with friends. Losing friends to different cities stinks. But Austin is lucky. Amber has loads of creativity, loves to shop, remembers everyone's birthdays and gives the sweetest gifts, is an amazingly dedicated wife and mother, can cut hair like nobody's business, loves chocolate, and sincerely listens to and validates others. So many wonderful characteristics all wrapped up into one person. Yes Austin, you are lucky! Lots of love and well wishes on this new adventure!
No, I don't make my children wear helmets as they swing, though it's not a bad idea. Cypress Park has great biking/walking paths throughout, making it even more awesome. The boys ride and play to their hearts delight.

Have you ever seen a smaller snowman?!? We didn't get that much snow but the boys were dead set on building a snowman. He's cute isn't he?!

Lets hope that sleeping with his hand on a gun doesn't become a habit!

Ready to brave the snow, complete with his new trucker hat...courtesy of our neighbor. He puts it on first thing every morning.

And it starts. Poor beloved Jeep has lost his first wheel. Moment of silence please.

Happy Hour Happiness

Date night with the Christensen's. Bowling and games and dessert crepes. Shane and I kinda got killed in the game department. Jake and Steph are quite the competitive pair!

I feel lame to post pictures of my hair. I know it's not that cool. But I've been focusing on small victories lately...and braiding your own hair is a small victory indeed!!!

CTR sticks for primary singing time. Program number 4 here I come!