My very late 20's

This week I celebrate yet another year in my "very late twenties" (AKA 33rd). I'm looking back to see what I've learned, enjoyed, and accomplished in the past 12 months... It's kind of fun to think about. Here's the list I've made:

I've made a home. Moving away from all known family and acquaintances I thought was going to be hard. However, I have learned to love this time together with just us and our two beautiful kids. Admittedly, living away with so few distractions helps one become a better wife and mother, at least I think it's working for me... Life here is good. I can only say that because we get to go home and visit so frequently! :)

I've given birth "the hard way". :) Drew's almost 1 and I can't believe how cute he is, how much fun he is play with. He says Mama now, gets around a lot by scooting and reaching, rolling and pushing backwards. He is a delight!! I must admit, I bite him daily - who wouldn't, he's so big and squishy! Even though he is still waking me up 2 times a night - fatty doesn't eat enough during the day - I am loving this stage of life with him! :)

a familiar face, Drew makes this one daily - we love it :)

Sydney is potty trained!! Now THAT is worth celebrating. Pace gets credit for beginning it, I was away in Vegas when he prayerfully and patiently found what motivated her to go pee-pee on the potty. Thank you, Pace!! Now, I have discovered what motivates to go poo-poo on the potty - with all 7 Disney Princess Barbies collected, :) Sydney has earned the right to say, "I'm a big girl now!" Hooray, Syd!!

(see, there it is again, only a little more scrunched)

Here she is on her first day of preschool - all grown up! :)

Last but least, not many woman can identify with this... While I'm slower than most moms to get to this point (it's been a few years since I became a mother) I am now beginning to feel the blessed joy of motherhood. I have to admit, I feel guilty about it, but it was hard to give up the 10 year career and professional success, walking away from everything. The paycheck was easy to give up - no big deal there. But loosing the intrinsic rewards, that was harder.

I read an article last month in the Ensign, "Staying Home Again", it helped me a lot. Long story short, this mother prayed to find the joy of staying home and slowly but surely it came to her. I am grateful the Lord can help us see those joys, forget ourselves more and be happy in our role of wife and most importantly, mother. There is no greater joy than marriage and family and I feel especially grateful to be able t0o participate in it! Here's to 33 more years of life and living while learning to love the ride... Happy Birthday to me! :)