Motherhood...

Last night I spent some "me" time reading a book until my girls came home from Mutual.

 Then about 9pm I heard the loud footsteps on the stairs up to the door then loud voices and laughter that let me know that they were finally home.

It made me smile.

Then Taisha came in my room and showed me the fruit "flower" arrangement she made. It smelled so delightful. She later juiced the fruit and enjoyed her healthy drink. Taisha and Danny have been on a health kick lately. (Mostly Taisha)

I can't tell you how badly I wish we had a garden this year so it wouldn't cost us so much in fruits and veggies and they wouldn't go bad before we got to use them.

Sigh...Hopefully next year.

McKenna looked desperately for a present for her friend, Skyler lost his phone and wallet, and Alisha was hungry. And, Danny was still working.

Any who...

I looked at my kids last night and remembered them being little. I miss that so much.

For moms out their, I will share what I have learned.

  I know even the tiniest of people have their own big opinions. It does matter how I cut their sandwiches-either squares or triangles, and it really does matter if they put their shirt or pants on first. Everyone wants a voice. I have to provide my children opportunities to be heard. I even let Alisha wear her "unique" clothes because she felt so beautiful and that is what really matters. Not wearing what we pick out and having their hair the way we want. They all still have their voices, but are a little different about it as teens.

  I know I can recognize my child’s cry out of hundreds of children.The moment I would hear them, I was there to see to their needs.

  I know now what it means to be a “Mamma Bear.” I feel the heat in my face and the pounding of my heart when someone crosses my child. Whether it’s just a hornet sting or playground bully, watch out — this Mamma Bear fights for her cubs.

  I know love (and cartoon Band-Aids) make most things better. I’m still amazed the magical power a kiss has to “make it all better.” And for the upsets too big for a Band-Aid, it’s the love that gets us through the hard stuff. "Dr. Mom says your going to live."

 I know that my children make the world more beautiful. Watching as your kids come up to you and say "I picked these for you." With a huge smile and feeling the love radiate around you, even if they were your favorite flowers or a weed. Children need to find beauty in all things. This teaches them to look for the good and how we treat them in these moments tells all. If we say no thank you that is a weed or throw away their picture, they are crushed inside and feel like a good deed isn't appreciated.

9. I know all of my children are incredibly unique and special. Of course, we are all individuals, but I’m in awe at just how different four people can be. And with that knowledge, it’s important that I parent each of them differently. Same still goes with teenagers!

10. I know to fear the quiet more than worry about the noise. The house can get really loud when the TV is on, toys are running and children are laughing (or screaming). But it’s the quiet moments when I really need to investigate. Those are the moments when someone is rubbing shampoo into the carpet or coloring on the walls. Now that they are teens, I know trouble is starting when I hear noise. LOL
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11. I know I can do hard things. I prove that truth to myself every day. Motherhood has stretched me to the edge of my physical and emotional capacity and required a broad depth of stamina.( Glad I don't have little ones now because I have lost my stamina and ability to deal due to health. I realize that I am still a good mother, even if I can't be the same mom they are used to me being and we are all adapting slowly to accept me for who I am now.

12. I know I am a better person because I am a mother. I love more, laugh more and serve more because I am Mom. Motherhood has exposed my weaknesses, showed my strengths and brought me humbly to my knees as I strive to live up to the title of "Mommy."

 

City of Rocks Day Four

This climb was tricky, and scary to lead climb. Thanks Adam for doing that for us.

Brad belaying Taisha.

Our Alma friend and ranger Justin lead climbing the Hardest climb for us.

Up here it was a little greener and had Quakies. Love those trees.

Justin and Cali sharing Beta on climbs.

What? She makes it look effortless.

Leaving...

I love history and ruins.

An old farm.

We hope to go back next year on the 4th!

City of Rocks Day Three

Oh what a beautiful morning, 

Oh what a beautiful day. 

Breakfast.

Dawn. Taisha meditating. LOL

She loves her dog!

Nice outfit McKenna ;)

Using the morning sun to find my inner peace.

This is how I deal with anxiety and connect to God and nature.

Then I goofed off.

Sasha thinking I'm weird.

I hear no evil.

I see no evil.

I speak no evil.

Danny drying our soaked clothes.

Just hanging.

My silly man.

Getting her harness off.

Smart girl.

Haha, it's back on!

That doesn't look comfortable.

Glad the bird didn't make her fall.

Always happy to climb.

My lead climbing girl. 

She was nervous because she had never done it, but her coach Cali was great with her.

Some of the team that came. 

Parents are encouraged to be a part of it too. I LOVE this team.

Tricky, but Taisha can do anything.

Clipping in.

Coming down.

Taisha, Cali, Adam, Kylie and me.

Climbing together. I sure love my two adventurists.

McKenna watching. We were so sunburned from the day before, that we ended up in the truck, me dehydrated reading.

Sasha, Taisha and Tiare.

What a beautiful rock!

Danny did it!

They all climbed for team pictures.

I was left behind to take pictures because everyone was so excited to be in it. Yes, I am nice like that.

My climbers all blurry :(

Families are together. Can you find them all?

Coaches Cali and Adam.

Chris and Tiare

Brad and Kylie.

Ann, ?, and?.

The old town of Alma.

We ended up going to the hot springs during a thunderstorm with Brad and Kylie, the coaches. A little scary with the lightening, but so warm in the rain. There are four pools, all a little hotter than the next.

I loved this way to calm down after a long day.

Then we went back and made tin foil dinners. YUM! And Cali and Adam visited us later for a fire.