Day 92: Why Don't We Just Dance?

HH bought me the latest Josh Turner CD to listen to while I was in labor. We thought music might be a good distraction this go round. But then, of course, labor was way too quick and intense to even think about that, so the CD sat in my purse half-opened.

But since we've been home, I've been listening to it a lot. And it's brought me several Joyful Moments throughout the week. I love Josh Turner and I love that HH thought to get it for me. And the songs are very sweet and romantic.

Tonight I put it on and then danced around with BB. It was so fun snuggling and dancing around with him. He was awake, so I got to watch his wide little eyes as we twirled around the kitchen (while HH kindly cleaned up dinner). And then I sat down and he drifted off to sleep.

Joyful Moments galore.

Wishing you all Joyful dancing Moments!

Day 91: Thunder

It's Severe Storm Season around here right now. Which isn't necessarily a source for Joyful Moments.

But tonight it's just a wild storm with lots of thunder and lightning.

I don't know why, but ever since I can remember, I've loved thunderstorms. They just somehow feel invigorating and exciting. Is that weird? I don't know. But I love them. So, listening to the rain pour down and the thunder crash while watching the lightning glow was tonight's Joyful Moment.

Wishing you all exciting and invigorating Joyful Moments!

Day 90: Lots of Fun

Today we had absolutely nothing scheduled. This made me very nervous. The kids are already going a little stir crazy and I was afraid things would really get out of hand if we just had a boring day at home. But as I lay in bed trying to find the energy to get out of my bed, a whole slew of ideas came to me to make it a great day for Sweet P and Little M.

First we had waffles for breakfast--one of their favorites, then we did violin practice (not the most fun, but necessary), then a walk to the park, followed by playing at the park, then lunch, then naps (again more of a necessity than a fun activity), then snacks, and then we played games.

And of course, all of this was interrupted multiple times by me needing to feed, change, and take care of BB. But during those times the kids were happy to entertain themselves.

So, when we sat down to dinner after HH came home he asked them what we did today. Sweet P's response was today's Joyful Moment: "We had lots of fun."

Then she filled him in on what that fun entailed, but the fact that that was her initial response made the whole day worth it. Because, sadly, it was kind of a lot of work for this tired mama.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments filled with lots and lots of fun!

Day 89: Oh, Brother!

Little M has been pretty enthusiastic about his new brother, but I can tell it's hard on him too. The other day he got his "special blankie" (as he calls it) and kept following me around the house holding it up to me. It took me a little while to realize that this was his mute way of asking to be held. Normally, he's very good at expressing himself with words, that's why I was a little slow on this one.

Unfortunately, my doctor said I can't lift more than 10 pounds--and HH was there to hear it. So, he's being kind of a stickler for sticking to the rules. So, I snuggled Little M on the couch, but I could tell it wasn't exactly what he wanted.

Today Sweet P had preschool. Normally, Little M and I head to the gym and I workout while he plays in the child care center. Since I'm not supposed to exercise right now, we stayed home. He asked if he could watch "Cars" and if I could watch with him. So, I finished up a quick bit of vacuuming and then settled down to watch together. I hardly ever let them watch TV and I pretty much never watch with them, so he was pretty happy about this. And BB obliged by sleeping through a lot of it, so Little M could have my undivided attention for a while.

And it was a Joyful Moment. Being able to satisfy a bit of his need for my attention (and relax at the same time).

Wishing you all satisfying and relaxing Joyful Moments!

Day 88: Home

Today was my first day on my own. With the other two babies I had ample help from nearby family and HH had a more flexible schedule. This time, we don't live near any family and HH doesn't have much time off since it's still a new job.

But I still managed to get all the laundry washed and put away. And everyone is still breathing and in one piece.

So today's Joyful Moment was hearing the garage door open much sooner than I expected, indicating the arrival of HH. And hope for my sanity along with it.

Wishing you all sane Joyful Moments! (c:

Day 87: Obsessed

Right after his first bath

Well, he's sleeping right now, so I'd better make this quick and go do the same. I'm so tired!

I've been thinking about this all day and I'm still not really sure how to put my thoughts and feelings into words. But I am truly obsessed with this new little addition of ours. I just can't get enough of holding and snuggling and looking at him.

My mom was fairly sick for a while after having me. I always told her that it was just the price to pay for getting a perfect child. Yes, I've always been humble. Anyway, I've been thinking about what a disaster this pregnancy was with all the various complications and such that I experienced as a result of it. Maybe that was the price to pay for this precious little guy. It was all worth it.

With the other two, I enjoyed their newness, but I really couldn't wait for them to grow a bit and become more interactive and responsive. This time I just want time to slow down. I want to solidify every moment in my memory and keep it there forever. Really, I just want to keep him just the way he is for a while--even with the sleep deprivation his current stage causes.

I'm sure it has a lot to do with where I'm at in my life this time around, but I also think there is something about him that just draws people in. Every nurse in the hospital commented (most repeatedly) about how cute he is. I'm sure many of them say that to all the parents, but most of them made a big deal about it to us.

One even passed that along with her report to the nurse taking over at the change of staff. I was on the phone, so I don't think she knew I was listening, but I was kind of paying attention to her rundown of his and my health status and then I heard her say, "And he is cute, cute, CUTE!"

I dropped him off at the nursery for a bit one day so I could take a shower and the nurse in the nursery gave a bit of a protest when I came back to pick him up. Then she made sure I knew that he was welcome to come back any time.

But I kept him for myself.

He's just the sweetest little baby. I love and adore everything about him. Thank goodness the rest of the family does too, or there might be some jealousy. Little M keeps caressing his face and saying, "Oh, he's so cute." So true.

So, it's been more of a Joyful Day than just a Moment.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments that take up an entire day!

Day 86: Peace

I had hoped to look cute after having this one, but getting up in the middle of the night after trying to sleep through labor for a couple hours isn't really conducive for that.

Again there have been far too many Joyful Moments to share today. The best was learning that it has been more than 24 hours since anyone detected a murmur in BB's heart and the EKG came back fine. I can't express the relief that accompanied that Moment.

Being home with our whole family of five was another wonderful Joyful Moment. Especially when HH put on the new Josh Turner CD he got for me to listen to while in labor (unfortunately, my labor went way too fast and intense for that!). But we all enjoyed dancing around and listening to it while we got dinner ready. I love him!

Wishing you all Joyful Moments filled with exactly what your heart needs right now!

Day 85: Overflowing

Where to begin?

It's late and I'm tired, so this is definitely not an exhaustive list, but some of today's Joyful Moments include:

-Watching HH be a daddy to a newborn. So sweet and tender. Not to mention, sexy.

-Little newborn noises

-Little newborn 'O'-shaped mouths

-The super softness of newborn hair

-Snuggles

-Watching Sweet P and Little M discover their new brother

-The knowledge that I have been blessed beyond belief

Wishing you all abundant and overwhelming Joyful Moments!

Day 84: Done

Today's Joyful Moment:

Welcoming our sweet little Baby Bear into the world early this morning.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments of something indescribably amazing.

Day 83: Beauty and the Garbage Truck

We were driving to the grocery store today when the following conversation took place:

Sweet P: Mommy, you're the prettiest girl in the whole wide world.

Me: Thank you, Sweetheart!

Little M: Mommy, you're the garbage truck in the whole wide world.

Me: (pause to digest that one), Thank you.

I'm not entirely sure what he meant by that. But he tells me almost every day that I look pretty or beautiful and he is OBSESSED with garbage trucks, so I decided it was most likely a compliment. At least I took it as one.

And that was today's Joyful Moment.

I love my kids. I love their different personalities. I love seeing the way they process the world. And I love how funny they are. I love it all.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments brought to you by either a garbage truck, or a really cute and funny child! Or, if you're lucky enough, both.

Day 82: Move Over Rubber Ducky

That's right--I have a new bath buddy. Lavender and chamomile sugar scrub from Bath & Body Works. I've always loved sugar scrubs, but never actually purchased one for myself.

Until today. I had a coupon and I decided that being 9 months pregnant merited a bit of a splurge for myself anyway. Not that it was a huge splurge, I just get really weird about money when I'm preggems.

Anyway, I've never been a big fan of baths. Except maybe when I was 3, but I don't remember back that far. Normally, I struggle sitting still with nothing to do for that long. Plus, I have dry skin, so sitting in hot water is not the best idea. But this stuff is oil-based and massaging it into my skin gave me something to do. Plus, it smelled like heaven.

Or at least, it smelled like calm. Which is something today was seriously lacking in. To put it nicely, today was quite dreadful. With several moments that were entirely too intense for me. And none of it involved giving birth--making it that much worse.

So, I took a bath. And made myself relax enough to experience a Joyful Moment. And I'm so glad I did.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments brought by worthwhile splurges and/or a little pampering!

Day 81: Patience

You may or may not remember that my theme for this year is Patience. It was definitely an inspired decision, as I've had ample opportunities to work on my patience.

Today granted me yet another such opportunity. So, this wasn't one of those Joyful Moments of an overflowing heart. But it was a Joyful Moment to see that I handled it better than I have in the past. That I'm making progress in an area that is so important.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments of any kind!

Day 80: Enduring Friendship

Today I received a note from my oldest friend. Not "old" as in age, but because we've been friends for longer than either of us can remember. For me, that's huge. I'm not good at keeping in touch with people. At all.

But for some reason (actually, I think there are several reasons) this friendship endures. It doesn't matter that we go years in between seeing each other, and even talking. It is the kind of friendship that is just as strong regardless of the last time we communicated. And when we do, there are usually copious amounts of laughter on both sides.

But even when we aren't laughing (we've been through some rough things together), she is still a great source of joy in my life. Which is why receiving that note from her today was my Joyful Moment. She always inspires me by her positive attitude in the face of everything. She manages to lighten my load even when she is going through things that seem impossible to me. And my life is so much the better for having her in it.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments brought by a friend such as this!

Day 79: Plethora

I've always loved that word. Ever since I learned of its existence back in Greek roots. It's just so fun to say.

And it's a perfect description for today's Joyful Moments. Would you say I have a plethora of Joyful Moments? If you've never seen "Three Amigos", that will mean nothing to you. Sorry.

Anyway, here they are in a nutshell:

Playing personal trainer with HH at the gym since I was too tired to give myself a workout

HH satisfying my craving for donuts from a specific local donut shop

Playing at the zoo with the whole family

Going to lunch and ordering "mom and dad's meals" (Little M's name for food that isn't a "kid's meal)

Working on the garden with HH

Making dinner for a family with a sick mama (okay, there were times while I was making it when this was NOT a Joyful moment, but for the most part, it felt really good to do something for someone else instead of being so centered on me me me)

Actually planting some of our seedlings in the garden with the kids (this started as a Joyful Moment, but unfortunately, did not end as one)

Finally getting the kids in bed so I can hang out and RELAX with my sweet and wonderful HH

Wishing you all a plethora of Joyful Moments!

Day 78: Fore!

There's a cute little miniature golf course not far from where we live. Every time we drive passed it (almost daily), I say, "We should go there!"

Earlier in the week, it occurred to me that I'm not going to want to take a little baby or push a stroller around a mini golf. So, we needed to go right away. And we went tonight.

Totally my Joyful Moment.

I somehow thought the kids were old enough to "get" it. HH knew better. But he agreed to let them play along anyway.

Sweet P's method was similar to the technique used in the Olympic sport of curling. And the best part was that she counted the whole time she was scooting her ball toward the hole. So, it wasn't uncommon for her to have a score of over 20 by the time she got it in. Even though she never actually took a swing.

Little M was much more efficient. He would just take his ball and place it right next to the hole and then take a swing. The amazing thing was, sometimes he still managed to miss the hole. But every time he did get the ball in he would cheer and yell so excitedly.

I was so ornery today. It was really bad. I was set to cancel the whole outing. I'm so grateful that HH insisted we go. It turned my whole mood around. I laughed a lot. And it was so fun just being together as a family. Who knows how many opportunities we'll have to do this just the four of us before BB comes and turns everything upside down?

We are excited for that... but I'm really glad we had tonight--just the way it was.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments found in enjoying what you have right now!

Day 77: Play Time

Today's Joyful Moment was waking up and knowing that HH took care of our taxes months ago.

Okay, not really. I forgot that it was Tax Day until I overheard people talking about it at the gym. But I am grateful to my sweet HH for taking care of this task every year. And doing it in advance so it's not stressful.

Anyway, today's Joyful Moment was actually taking Little M to the park. My doctor's appointment finished early, so we got to the gym early, so I was ready early, so we had time to kill before picking Sweet P up from preschool. So, we headed over to the park and played for a while.

Little M was a little disappointed that I declined his offers to join him on both the tire swing and the merry-go-round. But other than that, he had a great time. And I truly enjoyed watching him run and play and just love every minute of it. There is so much to be learned from little children when it comes to experiencing joy. A simple outing to the park was like a dream come true for him. And it doesn't matter that we go to a park at least a few times a week--he still finds great joy in playing.

I love my children.

Wishing you all childlike Joyful Moments!

Day 77: Warmin' Up

We've suddenly hit a bit of a heat wave. It's been so nice we've actually opened the windows in our room that last couple nights.

More often than not, I spend the last hour or two of the pre-morning hours tossing and turning in bed. Nothing crazy, I'm told that's normal at this point of the pregnancy. So, I've learned to not mind it too much and just to take advantage of whatever rest lying in bed still brings me. At least I'm not at the beck and call of a tiny infant yet. (c:

Anyway, this morning as I was laying there I began hearing the soft tweeting of the birds outside and then I took a deep breath and I smelled the air. I just love how the air smells at that time of the morning when the temperature is like this. Cool, but not cold. I don't know how to describe it but it is so fresh and refreshing.

And I had my Joyful Moment right there as I took in the sounds and smells of Spring. I felt very much at peace about everything. And peace is a feeling I've seriously been lacking lately. So, it was just fabulous and wonderful and very joyful.

Wishing you all harmonious Joyful Moments! (and warmer weather to those of you still experiencing snow!)

Day 76: Proud Mama

Today's Joyful Moment was found in sitting at Sweet P's parent/teacher conference. She's only in preschool, but it still felt really good to hear them say how well she knows her letters and numbers and how great she does at the various projects and assignments. And maybe, most of all, to see how much they genuinely like who she is.

I already know all of these things, as her mom, but it's nice to know that other people recognize and appreciate how incredible she is too.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments of prideful feelings--the good kind of pride, that is!

Day 75: Timing

Now that the weather is getting nicer and there is more to do again, we're hitting some issues with Sabbath observance. Yesterday a few different things came up that Sweet P wanted do, but I didn't feel would be very appropriate for worshiping on Sunday.

So, today's Joyful Moment came when I opened up the book we are using for our Family Home Evening lessons and discovered that the lesson we're on was all about keeping the Sabbath day holy. And I felt gratitude in knowing that Heavenly Father was aware of us and our needs. See, we should have had that lesson two weeks ago, but two weeks ago we planted our garden together instead. And last week we had a lesson about what it will be like to have a new baby and how we should treat him.

But I don't think it was any coincidence that we had this lesson tonight. I know it was a help from Heavenly Father for an issue that I've been concerned over. After the lesson we got a good discussion going with the kids and started to make a list of good things to do on Sundays and things to leave for other days. And then we completely digressed, but they stayed focused for a little while. And we made progress on the issue.

And I think it might have also been a gentle message from my Heavenly Father that He is aware of me and my needs and that His timing is better for me than what I might think I want/need (i.e. giving birth ASAP).

Wishing you all Joyful Moments of feeling Divine love and assistance.

Day 74: Team Up

I might have mentioned that I teach the class of 9 and 10 year olds at church. They're good kids, but a few of them can make teaching and creating a spiritual environment a little challenging. But in light of the fact that I will soon have a new baby and will be absent for a bit, they've seen fit to assign me a teaching partner.

Today's Joyful Moment was having some assistance in dealing with one particularly difficult child. Actually, she took care of him entirely so I didn't have to get up and squeeze my large belly past all the other kids to discipline this one. It's not that I was glad she had to deal with it, it's just that it was such a relief to not have to deal with it myself for once.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments of getting a break from something unpleasant from time to time!

Day 73: With Silver Bells

Today was a super productive day. As HH said, it was a day of good labor. But that just made me sad because I would like to have a day of a different sort of labor behind me.

Anyway, back to what was accomplished today. Among other things, we dug out our garden plot! And then HH and our somewhat overly-helpful neighbor boy framed it. It looks really good. And I'm just so excited about it! Thus, today's Joyful Moment.

Our little seedlings are growing quite rapidly, so I'm relieved to be that much closer to having a place ready for them once the nights are warm enough. We still have to get some soil/peat moss/manure to fill it in with because our soil here is actually clay. And we have to fence it to keep out the rabbits and our mischievous puppy. But I don't think those things will take too long.

I'm so grateful for HH's willingness to work so hard. My help is fairly limited and is mostly in the form of bossing him around. So, I'm glad he puts up with it, listens to me, and does the majority of the manual labor.

And I can't wait for all the Joyful Moments to come when we get to eat our own fresh veggies!!!

Wishing you all Joyful Moments of accomplishment and anticipation!

Day 72: Me Oh My, I Love Pie!

Tonight we had a little social with members of our church congregation. Everyone was supposed to bring a pie. Which meant that we got to eat pie. And chat and socialize. While our kids played happily with the other children.

Adult conversation + Pie = Joyful Moment.

And it didn't hurt that one friend told me that when she first saw me tonight I didn't look pregnant. She must have just been looking at my toes because I totally look pregnant, but it still made me feel good.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments full of pie and adult conversation!

Day 71: Dog Tired

Our poor puppy really doesn't get the exercise and attention she needs. I was doing better about playing fetch with her or at least running around a bit, but these days, I just don't have the energy. We take her on a walk most nights, but we don't exactly go at the pace she'd like.

So, I feel guilty pretty much every time I look at her.

And since she likes to hang out with me, I feel guilty a lot.

Last week HH found out about a nearby dog park. We took her there tonight. Wow. It was dog heaven. She's a very social puppy, so she was super excited to have so many other dogs to interact with. She also had a great time running around in circles with a bunch of other big dogs for quite some time.

When she was running, it seriously looked like she had a huge grin on her face. And that was my Joyful Moment. I guess somehow this crazy pup has made her way into my heart. And it made my heart very happy to watch her having such a great time.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments of making someone else's day great!

Day 70: Spoiled Secrets

Today's Joyful Moment was going to be finally recieving my free t-shirt from making it to the gym 45 times since February 8th, but then that got beat.

Let me start by saying that today was horrid.

I won't go into further detail. Tonight I took Sweet P to violin lessons while HH took Little M with him to get his haircut. Sweet P and I ran a little errand on the way home, so I was really surprised that the guys weren't back yet by the time we got home.

Fortunately, they got home a short while later. Little M came in the door and promptly told me, "Mommy, I'm not going to tell you that we got you flowers and chocolates. I'm not going to tell you." And he was so so serious about that statement.

HH was a little disappointed, but I think it was my first real, genuine smile of the day. First, the sincerity in Little M's declaration--he really thought he was keeping the secret just as Daddy wanted. And second, that HH was so thoughtful and got me two of my very favorite things.

It went a long way in making today--and life in general--better. A very long way.

My Joyful Moment.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments as lovely (and tasty) as these.

Day 69: Story Time

Today was rough, to put it mildly.

But at one point in the middle, the kids and I had story time. We sat on my bed, snuggling under a blanket together and read. The kids were happy and well-behaved. Nothing broke. And no messes were made. And that was today's Joyful Moment.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments where nothing goes wrong, at least for a little while.

Day 68: More Nesting

I realized this morning that I forgot one huge Joyful Moment from yesterday. And then I read Melanie's comment on the previous post and smiled at our parallel lives. While we were eating breakfast yesterday morning, I asked Little M if he knew why we celebrate Easter. He said 'no'. This was what I was expecting, so I turned to Sweet P to have her explain it, but then he said, "Because Jesus died for us so we can all live together forever."

I try to talk to them about gospel principles and the Savior's life and mission, but I was really surprised that he could give such an answer. And it was such a sweet and tender Joyful Moment.

Today's Joyful Moment was of an entirely different nature. I have been unbelievably exhausted since last week. Monday's are always big days around here in the way of cleaning because I do ALL of the laundry--including sheets and towels and whatnot. Some people think this is crazy, but for me it's really the only way.

So, when I woke up, I was nervous about being able to finish it all. Somehow I did. But the amazing thing is that in between switching loads around, folding, and putting away, I got both of the kids' closets cleaned out! They were seriously cluttered and over-packed with all sorts of odds and ends. And now they look clean and accessible. And it made me very happy. So much so that it was my Joyful Moment. Having a sudden urge of energy to tackle a task that I've been avoiding for quite some time now.

Wishing you all energetic Joyful Moments!

Day 67: Happy Easter!

I love Easter. It's all about family, sweets, and most of all, our Savior Jesus Christ. And it comes at a lovely time of the year--Spring. This is, of course, to represent rebirth and the Resurrection of the Savior. And it just makes the holiday that much more joyful for me. The world is looking ready to beautiful and warm.

And I'm really struggling to express myself tonight. I hope you caught the gist of what I'm feeling from that paragraph, but I do apologize for its awkwardness.

Anyway, today was full of Joyful Moments for me. In a nutshell:

Watching the kids do their Easter egg hunt.

Seeing how cute they look in their new Easter clothes.

Sunday breakfast all together without any rushing off to meetings. Because it is General Conference (see yesterday's post), we listen to the words of our leaders from home, via the Internet. Of course I love going to church, but once in a while, it's nice to just stay home.

Listening to more wonderful guidance and counsel from our church leaders.

Taking a much needed nap.

Spending the whole day together as a family.

Wishing you all abundant Joyful Moments!

Day 66: Follow the Prophet

In the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints we have a General Conference twice a year. It is several hours of guidance, counsel, and instruction from the leadership of our church as guided by the Lord.

Today was the first day of this conference. And that was definitely my Joyful Moment. Sweet P and Little M always make it a little difficult to hear all of the messages (thankfully, they are printed in a magazine we will receive next month!), but those that I heard were wonderful. There was a lot of guidance for parents which is something I always appreciate.

But I also just felt a great sense of love from these wonderful men and women and also from my Heavenly Father. And we get to listen for four more hours tomorrow--what a wonderful way to spend Easter!

Day 65: Snuggles

Well, the stress of everything that's been going on has caused a little bit of minor labor on and off. 6 o'clock this morning was one of the "on" times. So, I rolled over and asked HH to hold me. He has a very positive effect on my perception of pain, so having his arms wrapped around me made me feel so much better. And the contractions subsided shortly thereafter.

So, even though I should have been sleeping, having a moment to just be close to him and to be still was my Joyful Moment for today.

And don't worry, I'm confident this baby is coming for at least a couple more weeks. Things have settled back down around here and we're looking forward to a wonderful and relaxed weekend.

Wishing you all snuggly Joyful Moments!

Day 64: Shower

I'm tired, so I'm going to be very brief.

Today's Joyful Moment was laughing and hanging out with a bunch of my friends at a joint baby shower thrown for me and another friend with a baby due about the same time as me. It was really fun hanging out with the girls and made me feel very loved.

Wishing you all Joyful Moments of feeling loved!