Category Archives: Everyday

Leftover Spaghetti

I planned leftover spaghetti tonight for dinner (such a good idea), so when Jake came home from work and played pillow fights with the kids, I practiced songs on the piano. Their laughter was more music to my ears than my piano playing, but the two sounds were happiness to me nonetheless. When I walked into the kitchen to get the spaghetti out, I saw pink hues out the window. Quickly we opened the back door, wrapped up in a blanket, and admired the painted sky. We finished the night with spaghetti faces, donuts, and a handful of meltdowns, and I’m just feeling really blessed. #mamanotes 

our thoughts, our joys, our everydayour thoughts, our joys, our everyday

And can I just mention how much I love our piano? We bought it from our friends when they sold us their home a few years ago and it’s totally out of tune, but it is one of my favorite pastimes when I have just a few minutes of free time here and there. Making music (even as a total novice) is uniquely joyful for me.

Another side note:  While Ava was eating a donut that Jake brought home after work today, she shared it with Hyrum as he followed her around the room. When she bent over to give him a bite she said, “I won’t forget about you little chub.” hahah

These are for when she goes camping

I was sitting on the couch when Ava came over and asked, “Can my baby sleep by you?”

“Sure,” I said.

She set her baby’s crib next to me and for the next five minutes she walked in and out of the room bringing me things and giving me specific instructions. “Ok, so these are the rules,” she said.

“If she cries, just give her her bottle.
And these are her toys and her diapers. She’ll need a change when she wakes up. 
And this is for her in case she gets sick. 
And these are for when she needs to wash her hair.
And this is for her in case she needs to throw up. 
And I have these over here for when she goes camping.
And here are raisins. The kitchen is right there for when you need to get food.”

“Sounds good,” I said.

With that she peaked under the baby’s blanket and whispered, “I’m going to be right back, ok?” Then she pulled two photobooks from on top of the piano and headed downstairs.

I really adore her. 

our thoughts, our joys, our everyday

#mamanotes

Spring Dreams

spring dreams thatwemighthavejoy.com

Tonight when I tucked Ava into bed she said to me, “Mom, tonight I’m going to dream about flowers and rainbows and bunnies.”

“Sounds like spring to me. I’d like to dream about spring too.”
“I’ll tell you all about it in the morning,” she reassured me. I look forward to that.

It seems we had a little taste of spring today. The high was 43 degrees.  I opened a few windows to clear the smell of bacon from the air as Jake has now come down with the bug, and the thick smell of bacon is no friend to nausea.

I think we all enjoyed the chilly fresh air. We even sat outside on the back porch in just our long sleeved shirts, petting the gold striped neighborhood cat while Hyrum squealed in excitement at his new surroundings (and his furry friend.) He’s been begging to go outside for days. Perhaps we all have. #mamanotes

Surviving the Stomach Bug

“Mom are you sure I can drink this soda? Because I don’t know if I’ll survive it.”

thatwemighthavejoy.com

We’re recovering over here after being mauled by an ugly stomach bug.  How many of those are there!? I think we’ve seen the likes of them at least three times this year.

Ava seemed to be able to keep most of her water down throughout the day, so I thought I’d give her a treat of some ginger ale.  She was hesitant, but I reassured her that she’d probably be fine since she was able to keep her water down. A few minutes later she was standing over the toilet. She looked back at me and said, “Mom, who was right?”

“Yep, you were definitely right. I’m sorry!”

As much as I hate seeing her sick, I thoroughly enjoyed the times she fell asleep in my arms today.  As I scooped her long slender body up to cuddle in the rocking chair, it was clear to me that she is no longer a chubby cheeked toddler, but a beautiful little girl. As I thought about how long I would have before her carefree, mama cuddling days phased out, I just wanted to hold her there forever. I want to keep her running through fields, picnicking in the grass, and dancing in the kitchen with me. I want her to believe that embracing these simple joys will never be childish. She is so spirited, so excited about life. I want to help her hold onto that. #mamanotes

 

Baby in the Drawer

     Hyrum perched himself here while I did the dishes. We don’t have a dishwasher, so washing dishes can take a while at times. Hyrum does just fine filling in the time. He plays with tupperware, empties the drawers, and tastes each kind of cereal by shaking the bags out on the floor (I should’ve moved the cereal out of that cabinet by now.)Baby in the kitchen drawerBaby in the kitchen drawer

     Meanwhile I listened to this devotional by Russell M. Nelson and his wife while I washed, and it was probably the best part of my day.  Every time I listen to the prophets and apostles, I feel a greater desire to draw closer to God and align my life with His will. I just feel so good, and I’m so grateful for them.
I promise you as you consistently give the Lord a generous portion of your time, He will multiply the remainder.This promise really stuck with me, so I made a quote to pin it. Feel free to use it too.