Big Changes in My Life!

Not so many pictures this time... I just wanted to sit down and write a few things that have been on my mind lately so that I have them for future reference. :)

First, CHARLIE IS kinda TALKING!!  I know he is very far off from actual words/sentences, but he got his first word down as of around Tuesday, March 9th.  On that Sunday, Monday previous he started actually using real gibberish and playing around with sounds, so I thought it was time to start teaching him a word.  I thought "da da" would be appropriate because Hannah said "ma ma" first.  Well, that very next day he started saying "da da" and now he says it all the time!  If you want to see a video you can check out the one on Facebook.

I have also come to a pretty big milestone in my life.  Around the beginning of March, I came to realize that I had FINALLY transitioned into Motherhood.  Not to say that I'm perfect at it and that I never go crazy watching kids all day, (in fact, QUITE the opposite:)...  But I have come to the point in my life where I enjoy being home with the kids, doing housework, making meals, and I don't constantly dream of a different life.  You know--working, going back to school--anything but being at home all day, every day.  I enjoy my kids more, take pride in getting meals made, keeping my house clean and just spending time with friends and family. 

You see, I was always so focused on school that transitioning into motherhood was SO HARD because I wasn't earning some kind of degree, getting paid or doing something with some kind of obvious reward for hard work.  As all of you mothers out there know, you don't get many rewards from mothering at first--just the warm, tingly feeling when you're holding your baby or getting the comforting reassurance that you're doing the right thing.  That just wasn't enough for me at first.  Now I'm finally coming to terms with my calling in life and taking more pride in those things that aren't as obvious to the world.  My little kids ARE "my greatest responsibility and joy"--just as mentioned in my blessing.  I always wondered how that would turn out for me.  I guess the faith bore fruit after all!  :)  I love my kids so much, and even though they are a handful almost ALL the time, I wouldn't trade my chance to be their mom for any degree or high paying job out there.

Another milestone I've noticed is in my relationship with Jake. We have a great marriage, even though the engagement was pReTtY crazy...:)  But as all you married people know, putting two different people together never equals a perfect couple.  There's a lot of work involved, but we've really grown closer and both become much better people.

Well, one of the many different ways we were different was the way we liked to spend our free time.  Jake has always been a people person, and I've always been more of a "lets do our own thing" person.  But most of the time my way meant we just kinda sat around together.  Jake's way involved being-out and doing-all the time, with a bunch of friends, family, etc...  I was ok with that sometimes, but always felt a little overwhelmed.  Jake always had a hard time with my way because we weren't doing anything and it just felt like wasted time...

Well, we've FINALLY met at the crossroads where we are more one than I ever remember, especially in this way.  It seems like we can suddenly be happy just sitting around as our little family, and also enjoy spending time with others just as much.  Jake's happy being home with us, and I'm happy hanging out with friends and family more.  In fact, I'm the one setting up a lot of get-togethers! :)  But the best part is that Jake is finally starting to understand me and my motivation for things that he never did before.  As a lot of you know, its rough being a mom and being involved in so many things.  Jake's starting to take my side and make adjustments so its easier on me and the family.  I am able to better see his needs and show more support and understanding in his situations.

Its been so great starting to understand each other better.  Its made our marriage that much better and it gives me an idea of how much a marriage can grow over a lifetime.  That's a lot of love and togetherness and I look forward to eternity together!

Well, now on to moving.  Our time in Rexburg is coming to an end...  I have been here just short of 7 years now and Jake is going on 4 years.  We have loved our time here and have made so many excellent friends and have LOVED going to school at BYU-Idaho.  We have been well-cared for in our education and wouldn't have wanted to go anywhere else! 

I am just starting to pack actual boxes today--I've been a little hesitant, because once you start doing something like that, time just starts disapearing and suddenly life is changing again!  I am soo happy that I have my little family to stand/carry by my side as my life takes me to new places with new experiences, new challenges and new blessings.  I am so thankful for the gospel in my life and the spirit that guides my family and my life in new and troubled times.  I have so many blessings and hope to find more opportunities to serve so I can spread the joy of the gospel around a little!

Thanks to all you good friends and family out  there who love and support us.  Hope you are all doing well and thanks for checking up on us.  Have a great week! :)