I always knew that I eventually wanted to be a mommy but knew it would be a HUGE commitment and sacrifice. What I didn't know was how rewarding it truly is. So often, I am amazed in the creation that is before me. My son. If you never believed in the Heavenly Father before having children, there is no way you could deny Him after experiencing motherhood. Not only for the complete perfection in life itself, but for everything else that is meant to come with it in HIS plan. I have since learned that I may have learned more from my son than from anyone else thus far about myself.
1)I have learned how to be more patient. (well...I try...everyone has their moments)
2) I have learned to live in the moment with ADVENTURE!! What a gift!
3)I have learned that simple pleasures are the best things in life after all like a good hug with some squeeze to it.
4)I have learned what it means to have faith like a child, just as my son trusts that I am always there for him. (sometimes I wish he didn't have so much faith that I am there as he has no fear...AT ALL)
5)I have learned that my heart is capable of loving far more than I ever imagined.
6)I have learned that if you don't want something to be eaten...don't bring it into your home.
7)I have learned that the bond between husband and wife is most important, and that my son feels more loved when we are loving to one another.
8)I have learned the power of a good nap.
9)I have learned that I have a home gym when I play airplane or horsie.
10)I have learned that our parents were once as clueless as us, so we should give them a lot more slack!
11) I have learned to try to forgive as easily and graciously as a child.
12) I have learned that everyday is filled with an opportunity to make a difference.
13) I have learned that there is much more wisdom than we often give credit for.
14) I have learned that all men are truly little boys in grown up bodies. (I swear I can see the little boy in all men now! Bizarre, I know)
15) I have learned that you can never be too prepared.
16) I have learned the importance of ME time.
17) I have learned that being silly is also good exercise.
18) I have learned that everything is learned or done easier in SONG.
19) I have learned to be a thermostat instead of a thermometer
20) I have learned that we all are truly SPECIAL because we each had mothers who felt like this about US.
21) I have learned that if I feel this much love towards my son...I can only imagine the love GOD truly feels for each and everyone of us!
22) I have learned that consistency takes out the guess work.
23) I have learned that a Chihuahua is a great vacuum and that it will also never eat dog food again once your child is a toddler.
24) I have learned the power of praise! We all love it, why don't we give more of it? It lights children up and for that matter...pretty much everyone.
25) I have learned that you get more help when you make what you are doing look like FUN. Even if it isn't...if you pretend it is, people naturally gravitate towards you. They can figure out later that it sucks. (Brody loves the vaccuum and lawn mower...little does he know...that they will later be his jobs)
26) I have learned that making a lot of money never felt as good as seeing the light come on in a child's head when they make a connection for the first time. Priceless!
27) I have learned that there is a worldwide connection I now have to all women who are experiencing what I am also experiencing with their children.
28) I have learned how good the cool grass feels on bare feet on a warm day as you explain what wind is for the first time.
29) I have learned that you never get too old to learn a good lesson.
30) I have learned that I too have become my mother even though I swore I would never say things like "eat your green beans...you may not love them, but they sure love you" or "Brody went pee-pee on the potty...we're so proud!" (while in song and dancing)
31) I have learned that there is no pride like the pride you feel as a mommy of a bright and adorable child.
32) I have learned that my body is absolutely AMAZING...not because it bounces back (thank God for that too) but because it knew what to do as it created LIFE. I have a whole new appreciation for it. (not to get too graphic, but how it knows how to put everything back in place after having all of your insides taken out is just plain incredible)
33) I have learned that raindrops are fun to run in.
34) I have learned that the more you smile, the more people around you also smile.
35) I have learned that being a "stay home mom" is most of the time more work than going to a paying job. When is the USA going to give us mommies a salary...
36) I have learned why we were given the power of multi-tasking.
37) I have learned that if you take the time to teach something properly, it saves you time in the long run.
38) I have learned that you can't make anyone happy if you are not happy yourself. Children can see right through you.
39) I have learned that true feminism is the ability to CHOOSE to STAY HOME and be a WOMAN! I wouldn't want to be anything else and am very thankful that I was made nothing else. There is nothing wrong with being a good wife and mother.
40) I have learned that you can never get first moments back, so bring a camera and write things down.
41)I have learned that I can only control so much and everything else is by grace.
42) I have learned that I usually worry more than is necessary.
43) I have learned that as newborns feel "loved" by those who tend to their needs...as adults, we are not really much different...we feel loved by those who are tending our needs as well...emotionally or physically. So, if you love someone...you have to eventually ask yourself who you are really "showing" your love. Instead of assuming they know.
44) I have learned that I can make plans, but that they may not be God's plans for myself and my family, so I may as well leave those things to Him in the first place.
45) I have learned that I can get ready in 15 minutes after all
46) I have learned that my child brings back memories to those around me with grown children, so it has opened conversations with wonderful people. These really are the great times. I better know it so I can treasure it.
47) I have learned that somehow I too have the secret heeling power within a mommy kiss that I never knew I possessed.
48) I have learned that I will always have a bond unlike any other with my husband now that we have had a child together. The love I had for him prior was deep, but now what a huge amount of gratitude and respect I have for sharing this wonderful gift with me. My heart overfloweth!
49) I have learned that rules are made out of love after all because there is knowledge behind them.
50) I have learned that everyone has some kind of crazy in their family and you hope you don't pass it along to your offspring.
I guess I could go on and on because everyday is filled with another opportunity to be pleasantly surprised all over again. I know I have much more to learn, but what an honor it is to have this chance. A chance to be a positive influence in my child's life. Though sometimes my biggest fears are that I will get it all wrong...somehow I know that if I keep trying to learn as I go...everything will be alright. It is a good thing he doesn't know any better any ways, right? Maybe I'll do it all again soon. I kind of miss my belly. :) The funny thing is that I was making plans before I had him thinking I better get things done before my life is changed. Not knowing all along that it would change for the better. How ironic. I wish everyone could feel what it feels like to get a bright and early "HI!!!" from little Brody as he welcomes the day. Or the "nigh-night" and big hug and kiss as he goes to bed and you can't wait to do it all over again the next day. Motherhood is so rewarding.
Tonight was our family outing to Opportunity Village. Brody's favorite part was riding the carousel. He giggled through the whole thing and when it was all done, he made us go again. He loves those horses. He took it very seriously and wouldn't let mommy or daddy hold the pole. Such a big boy. 
We walked through the Magical Forest and saw all of the pretty lights. We got a family picture by these snowmen. The Magical Forest gets you ready for Christmas. Maybe next year he will be ready to go down the big slide. He wasn't quite tall enough this year. 
Brody is in this faze where he refuses to take a picture with mommy. He wants to be so independent! Look how happy he is in this picture! "that's a good one!" was what Brandon said when taking the picture. Fabulous...isn't it? Oh well!
