Little Man, Changes, & Setting Goals

 

Another hott summer almost halfway over...! I am glad this particular summer (in hindsight) has flown by. Nothing too exciting or eventful as far as trips or adventures. Been staying inside ALOT and taking it easy, mostly because I simply don't have much energy left to do more than trying to keep the house tidy and keeping Conrad entertained so that he doesn't go crazy!
      Conrad is about to be 18months. He has grown so quickly and changes daily. He is one silly, busy, fast,  monkey boy. He shows no fear, and will just take off anywhere we go--usually never turning back to see where we are.  He understands alot, but still only says a few things. And even with those, words, it's on his time and his schedule!
      Big Boy can show us where his nose, head, hair, tummy, ears, tongue, & fingers are.  He can do what duck, monkey, cow, and sometimes birdy says.  He LOVES to be outside, with rocks & sticks in his hands.   A few Sundays ago while sitting in church, my mom discovered a small rock tightly enclosed inside one of his hands...no shocker there!   He can say Dada, Mama, baba, papa, Hi, yucky,  Jax, Hot, Uh Oh & NumNum (food). He finally waves Hi & Bye, if he feels like it, of course...!   He gives knuckles & high fives, bonkers, & kisses *finally*!!
      He is obsessed with an online cartoon  called "Doozers", and squeals "Deee!" when we turn it on & bobs his head to the beginning song.
      When he hears Dad's truck pulling in at night,  he jumps up to the couch to pull the curtains over and look out. Then, runs to the door to open it.
       If I start to sing "Ring around the Rosies", he spins round&round until he gets dizzy.
He's a funny fella, and has a face that makes me melt daily.  Right now it's just keeping an eye on him because it's all about getting into things, opening cabinets/drawers, pulling stuff out, etc.  He's had his fair share of bruises, falls, cuts, fevers, molar pains, and BIG Bumps on the head. ;( But he's a trooper :)

      I can't believe he's about to be a big brother. He will be great at it, and helpful. Many times, I can point to something and ask him to pick it up/bring it to me, and he does.  It's still surreal, and I haven't grasped that in a few days, we will be holding another tiny peanut; in charge of his life, well-being, who he becomes, and the things he learns. I am blessed to be given another opportunity in motherhood and the experiences it brings.

      It's been a neat year so far seeing people I know and care about get married, graduate, get promotions,  have more children, get new jobs, go on neat vacations, become parents, get engaged, get into special programs/schools etc.

      We've certainly had our share of humbling moments this year, and are so blessed to have family & people in our lives that help and love us/support us all they can.  I am overcome with gratitude at times, it brings me to tears. It's hard to ask others for help when you really need it. But it's such a blessing knowing you have those kind of people to turn to. People that have no motives, or judgement- and simply want to help you and see you happy  *they know who they are* :)    At church the message has so often been about an "Attitude of Gratitude"--and choosing to be happy/grateful IN all your circumstances, rather than listing things to be thankful for.    This has been my test this year, and must remain my ongoing goal. I sure have a long way to go still.

         What it all comes down to, when all is said and done...if you have health, some people who love you, food to eat, clothes to wear, somewhere to sleep, and something to give you roots & guidance  -like the gospel-  then, wow. Life is pretty great.     Anything tough that's thrown our way is meant to teach us something and help us grow.  This quote has been one of my favorites since the day I saw it:

 

This couldn't be more true. EVERYONE is always struggling with something. Even people who always seem happy. Everyone.   Life's too short to waste it on blame, name-calling, holding onto the past, or blaming others for your unhappiness. Every day is a chance to make whatever changes YOU want to be happy in this life. Sometimes those changes take months or years...     I've really begun to realize that  it's all perspective. You either choose to see the good or you choose to see the negative.  We all have flawes, weaknesses, habits, and battles that beat us down. If we all could just  remember that and build each other up; & Not give any of our  time to judgement or criticism...especially to family.      I am so blessed to have a family that I know will always be there to love, support, & encourage because we are together forever, and want to keep it that way. When one is falling short, we lift them up or remind  them of how to be happy again. There is no gossip, name-calling, or resentment/bitterness. There's no competition, nor any unforgiveness over things of the past . There is unity. hope. and help given when one is in need, without any expectations in return.    Just like the Savior, always there, willing and loving.  It is humbling and wonderful.  What a blessing family can be!!!    I really can't wait to see mine in December for Christmas, it's been years since we had one all together...!

       So, despite the extreme heat, and my entire body aching 23 hrs out of the day...it's all good. Right now feels like a milestone in my life, with many things about to change for us, especially with another one right around the corner...!   I have family, gospel, health, and the ability to create life. Then, I get to witness miracles and blessings unfold  despite life's challenges and moments of despair/trials.  There's so much to look forward to, I am done holding onto what could've happened yesterday, last week, or last year. Who says goals are a January thing? You can start any day, any time.  

Hopefully my next post won't be another 8 months from now...!