Letter for my Babes

Dear Babes, 

I pray you always stay positive.  That you see the good in everyone.  That you CHOOSE to let light in your life and to rise above whatever sour lemons may be handed to you.  

"Heavenly Father is constantly raining blessings upon us. It is our fear and doubt that, like an umbrella, block these blessings from reaching us."

In this video, I think it's interesting how the woman at first recognizes those blessings falling.  She is happy and unaffected by the people around her.  Then she recognizes how people are looking at her.  She sees that she is different.  It seems to make her question the joy she is feeling.  She follows suit and opens her umbrella.  But then she sees a flower sprouting from the sewer.

She is reminded of the MANY blessings she has in her life.  She sees the good again.  Despite how the world perceives her.

This was my interpretation of this little Mormon Message today.  It was a much needed reminder. 

I hope that y'all will not be affected by those around you who may perceive your happiness as childish.  Those that think you do not understand the world and its heartache.  Those who might think you are too sheltered from the world.  That your happiness is over the top or immature.  Even naive.  

Don't you dare let the world taint your happiness.  Don't you let what others think make you feel silly for letting your light shine.

Shine bright my babes.  Be happy.  See the blessings that God is pouring down on you.  I know it's hard sometimes.  Really hard.  But the blessings are there.  I swear!!!

Be proud of who you are and dare to be different!

Love, Yo Momma

Source: Living the Gospel Joyful

Ooooh Handsome Bubba!

In the morning when the kids wake up, I usually hear them chatting and playing for 15 minutes while I get their breakfasts ready.  This morning I heard Reese coo "Oooooh handsome bubba".  I say that to him when I come in to get them in the morning! It's so funny the things they catch on to!  It was also such a crazy reminder of how much your children are watching you and looking up to you.  It was a reminder for me to be kinder, more loving, speak more positively about myself and others, and just show greater love to peeps in my life.

 

I came across this picture when thumbing through some folders on our computer, and I was overwhelmed with #alltheemotions when I saw this picture!!!  Look at that sweet baby girl!  How is she so big already?  I can't handle it!  This picture was taken in December right around her birthday.  Her first birthday.  I remember SO vividly I asked Buns to take a picture before church because I never wanted to forget those special days when it was just me and Reese.  I was (and still am) such a brand new momma, and I was learning all sorts of crazy things about myself as a woman!! I was so happy in this picture.  Reese was all smiles and laughing like crazy that day.  Just looking at this picture, I swear I remember how I felt like I was glowing from the inside out!!  Which was saying something, because I was in the early stages of being preggers with Riggs.  And so far, the beginnings of my pregnancies do NOT go over well with me.  SO SICK ALL THE TIME.  But this day.  This was a good day.  A great day.  And I remember feeling so blessed for my sweet, happy Roni and to have another nugget on the way.  Could life be any crazier how things pan out!?

Dear Chillins

Dear Reese and Riggs, 

I don't have much to say today other than I really, really, really love you.  You make me such a proud momma!

♥, Momma

Dear Reese

One of your favorite things to do is chalk on the sidewalk.  It's also one of the easiest ways for us to get out of the house while Riggs is sleeping. Score!  The walls tend to close in on us tighter and tighter and tighter if we stay cooped up all day. Lol.  Not only do you love chalk though, but you love chalk with your dad the most.  A lot of times when I'm making dinner, he'll ask you if you want to go outside and do chalk and you smile SO big and "jump" in the air, running to get your shoes.  It's just about the cutest and funniest thing e'er.

I was watching the LDS women's general meeting this past Sunday evening, and all I kept thinking about was you.  I missed it Saturday night 'cause your dad and I went on a hot date, so I curled up to watch it Sunday night after you and your brother went to bed.  I can't lie, I fell asleep for the last talk, but the first part was so amazing!  It was just the encouragement and positiveness that I needed.  During it though, I got super stoked for when we get to go together.  We can get all dressed up, maybe get our nails did, go eat some yummy grub, and hear from our apostles and prophet.  Ain't nothin' better.  Last year they made it so that ALL girls ages 8 and up go to the meeting now.  Before it was typically just for ages 18 and up.  Now it's for all the girls in the church!  It will be such a joy to go with you.  

I thought a lot about your dad and you and the special relationship that you have with him.  I hope you're always close to your dad and feel like you can always talk to him about things that are going on in your life.  He's a pretty cool guy to talk to.  He loves you so much.  I want you to know how much he respects and loves me as a daughter of Heavenly Father.  I feel so beautiful inside and out because of him.  He loves you the same way.  He sees all the wonderful things about you.  Your humor, your independence, your sweetness, your intelligence, and your uniqueness.  He see you as a special daughter of God.  Someone who has purpose and strength.  Someone who has goals and drive.  Someone who can accomplish anything she sets her mind to.  I hope you always feel that love from the both of us.  

I hope you always remember to not settle.  In anything in life.  But especially when it comes to who you date.  I hope you surround yourself with people who are happy, inspiring, and respectful of who you are and what you believe.  I hope you find the balance of sharing your light with others but also recognizing when someone is not worth your time.  You never need to be mean or rude, but sometimes you have to distance yourself from people who bring you down.  I pray you'll be a contagious light to those around you just like you are to your dad and I.  

One of my favorite messages from this General Women's Meeting was this...

"Live your life to feel the measure of your creation."

I hope you live your life passionately and purposefully.  Not to say that things will always be easy or you'll always know what you're supposed to be doing at every moment of your life, because sometimes you'll be unsure of the future and sometimes life throws you curve balls, BUT I hope that you remember to enjoy the ride.  Find a way to laugh at the hiccups of life and live each day with happiness in your heart despite whatever tough stuff you may be going through. 

Bottom line...I just love you baby girl.  You have so much of my heart, it's insane.  I think you're awesome, and I will always be here for you.  You will always have somewhere to turn.  Because you'll always be my Roni.

♥, Momma

There Will Come a Day

“There will come a day...There will come a day when she no longer wants to hold my hand.  So I will hold it while I still can.  There will come a day when she no longer tells me what’s on her mind.  So I will listen while she still wants to talk to me.  There will come a day when she no longer says, “Watch me, Mama!”  So I will observe and encourage while I still can.  There will come a day when she no longer invites me to eat school lunch with her.  So I will join her while I still can.  There will come a day when she no longer needs my help to bake cookies or hit the tennis ball in the sweet spot.  So I will stand beside her gently guiding and instructing while I still can.  There will come a day when she no longer wants my opinion about clothes, friendship, death, and heaven.  So I will share my views while she still wants to hear them.  There will come a day when she no longer allows me to hear her prayers and her dreams.  So I will fold my hands and absorb every word while I still can.  There will come a day when she no longer sleeps with her beloved stuffed animal.  And that day may come sooner than I think.  Because sometimes unexpected events happen, causing the days to rush by, the years to tumble ahead. Sometimes what I thought I would have time to do, like listen to her laugh, wipe her tears, breathe her scent, and hold her close, will no longer be available to me.  What I thought I had all the time in the world to do, may no longer be an option.  The little pink dog that my child must now learn to sleep without after eight precious years reminds me that tomorrow may not allow for all the things I planned to do.  So instead of being too busy, too tired, or too distracted when she seeks my love and attention, I will be ready and waiting to make her a well-loved child while I still can.” (Rachel Stafford in Hands Free Mama)

Dear Reese

Dear Reese,

"You are a very special person.  There is only one like you in the whole world.  There's never been anyone exactly like you before, and there never will be again.  Only you.  And people can like you exactly as you are." (Mr. Fred Rogers)

Know that.  Embrace that.  Don't forget how true it is.

Love, Momma