Simple Moments : Let Loose and Love

Lately I've noticed I've been a serious, got to keep the house clean, and check off my to-do list kind of mama. While those things are good and needed, I realized they aren't the best or the most important. Which is probably why I haven't been very happy lately. I've been snappy and irritated with my boys. 

I was looking through pictures on my phone one day recently. I found some that truly made me smile. I made this important connection- All those picture I found were times when I let loose and allowed myself to be silly with my boys. I took time to enjoy them. I devoted all my attention to them. And we made each other laugh. I remember some of those days were some of the best in the last month or so. 

I love this quote by President Monson that I've heard a couple times recently- 

"Never let a problem to be solved become more important that a person to be loved." 

Here's to the little persons that need and deserve my love more...

Lil B is the Big 1

Yes this was 9+ months ago....finally got it finished. ugh.

There is something wonderful about families. I feel like I've known this handsome tike for longer than 12 months. Brock's first year came and went so quickly, yet I can't remember life without him. I stopped trying to document his developmental milestones, mostly because its hard to type while holding his hands! Oh how we love our determined, big blue-eyed, cuddly Brockster.

We celebrated Brock's 1st Birthday with cousin Ziyah and a bunch of aunts, cousins, and grandparents. 

Brock & Ziyah's 1st Birthday Bash

went down with a splash! 

Cake Time!

These were some of my most favorite cakes to make because they were easy and turned out pretty cute! Both Brock and Z bug love the water so it was only fitting for a little fishie party. 

Of course my little appendage wouldn't sit by himself to dig into his first birthday cake. Mom's hands would too far out of reach duh. With me right beside him, he dug right in and enjoyed every bite. 

Brock. Where to start about this crazy, lovable, drive me crazy, adorably handsome creature? Despite all the clingy-ness and endless hand holding that goes on between us, I sure do love him. He's got lots of fire in that tiny little body and a determination to do more than he actually can. Sometimes I think Brockster thinks he 16. He expects me to let him drive the car, get the mail out of our mailbox, tries to put shoes on by himself, brush his teeth and hair all by himself, push the buttons on the microwave without any help, and pour his own milk. 

One thing I will never understand about this complex kid is his desire to be so big, yet his tender need to hold my hand and be right next to me for hours on end. All I know is once he finds a balance in staying close to mom and dad and spreading his own wings to explore, Brock is going to really go places. An amazing quality I see in him is that he knows exactly what he wants and doesn't deviate, even at the expense of his mother's sanity. Channel that into the gospel and a life of purpose and big things will happen for you Brock. I love you so much- from your bleach blonde hair to your big long feet! Happy Birthday Brockie-boom-a-lockie, B-rock, Screech, Brockbamboosle.