I run with boys

Growing up, I was never considered a tomboy.  I loved barbies, tea parties, and dress up.  I always thought I would have a home full of girls.  I loved creating story lines with complicated endings and rehearsing dialogues with my over dramatic friends.  I never thought for a moment I would be a "boymom".  Not once. 

While I was pregnant with Edward and found out I was having a boy, I was excited.  It seemed right to be having a boy first.  That's nature, right?  Then I found out I was having a boy when Nolen came along.  I knew he would be my last child and I have to say, I was a bit sad that I wasn't having a girl, but the thought of raising a daughter actually scared me.  Girls are a whole different territory with their own difficulties and challenges.  I was grateful to know that I was having another boy. 

I understand boys.

I understand boys more than I ever thought I would.  I get how the operate. 

They move fast.  They change quickly. 

They love hard.  They cry hard. 

They can be stand offish.  They need space. 

They pee on the toilet seat.  They pee all over the bathroom wall. 

They jump off bed.  They jump off anything, really. 

They smell.  They really smell. 

They hate to brush their teeth.  They dislike baths.

 Then when they get in the bathtub they never want to get out!

They make really big messes. 
They get a sudden burst of energy and it must be released right at that very moment or they might just BLOW UP!

They need constant reminding.  They need someone with a big heart to just love the crap out of them. 

I am that person.

I am a boymom. 

They need someone who can love with out ever needing to be loved back.  I wonder if this is why I grew up with such a high self worth.  I do not NEED to be needed.  I don't need a million hugs and kisses to survive. 
These boys show love in a different way.  They speak my love language.  I am a mother of boys. 
These two sweet boys need a mom who can plug her nose and still hug them and kiss every single freckle on their tiny little noses. 
I am that mom.
I am a mother of boys.
I am the only female in this house.  I am so grateful to be living this challenge.  It is my quest!  I love being a mother of boys. 

I can keep up with these two wild boys of mine.  I can meet every single challenge they throw my way.  I see their wiggly body's and I keep pace.  I can match their stubborn modes and challenge them to beat me in the quiet game.  I can even beat them in the screaming game. 

I know I was destined to be a mother of boys.  I am fine doing many things all by myself.  Like getting a pedicure or shopping.  I actually love to shop alone.  I can don't need constant companionship in this world.  Good thing because any time I mention leaving the house, everyone disappears!

I love being a mother of boys.  I wouldn't have it any other way.  It is interesting watching teachers, leaders, and friends interact with boys.  Our society has changed the way we work with little boys.  It is sad.  My heart it sad for my two boys as I watch female teachers belittle and manipulate them.   Gone are the days when we celebrated being pregnant with a boy.  Gone are the days when we held high expectations for men to help take care of the family.  Gone are the days when men set outstanding examples to little boys.  Good men are hard to find.

This is my quest.  This is my journey.  To raise two good men.  Two men who honor their responsibilities.  Two men who want to be fathers and dote on their wives. 

This is no easy quest.  This quest has required me to change my selfish desires and be home with my children every single day.  This quest has required me to enter THEIR world, not drag them into mine.  This quest has made me a better woman.  I don't mind sacrificing for my boys.   They are my everything.

This quest has required me to get my hands dirty and play like a boy.  In doing so, I have thrived.  I have grown.  I have changed.  I have learned to love being a mother of boys.

Happy Sunday!

A Weekend with Family

 



























This last weekend, my Mom, Dad, and little sister Kendra all made their way to Albuquerque.  Over the summer, I had bought a VIP ticket to see Karena and Katrina at the Tone it up Tour in Scottsdale, Arizona.  I have loved being on their program for the last year. They have changed my life, my eating habits, and my family's lives for the better.  I quickly realized I would need a baby sitter to make my little adventure happen.  I started brain storming about what to do.  Who could watch my boys, over night, while I was out of town?  Then a friend posted about The Women of Light Conference here in Albuquerque the same weekend.  I devised a plan.  I bought my Mom and I tickets to attend the conference, then I would fly to Phoenix for the TIU Tour.  Genius!  

After speaking with Kendra over the next few months, I realized how much she would benefit from attending The Women of Light Conference.  She need to hear Elizabeth Smart and Stephanie Nielson speak, just as much as I did.  I called my Mom and we decided to buy her a plane ticket out here and a ticket to the conference.  A few days later, I started re-thinking my plan.  Kendra had been doing Tone it up since January, so I was sure she would love to attend the Tour as well.  Thus began our crazy girls weekend.

Kendra flew in Thursday afternoon.  We did a little shopping and then met up with my friend Laurel to take her picture at the state fair.  After the state fair, we headed over to the school to pick up the boys.  Then we went to cross country.  Kendra killed it!  She ran so hard with the team.  We did 3.5 miles that muggy afternoon.  After practice my parents arrived. We ate some dinner then went straight to bed.

Friday morning we woke up early to catch the best light for photos.  Kendra had wanted to get some shots of her on her silks.  We tacked through the mud to one of my favorite spots for photos here in town.  Then we rushed home to get the boys ready for picture day at school.  We dropped the boys off at school, then I went on a nice walk with my Mom and sister. Then I taught a few lessons. 

After teaching lessons, we headed straight over to the temple to do some sealings.  It was so special to to sealings with my parents and sister.  I felt the spirit so strong! I am so glad we took some time to be in a quiet place with my parents.  

Friday night I taught a few more lessons, then we sang Happy Birthday to my sweet Dad.  He turned 66 yesterday.  Oh, I just love him.  He sacrifices so much for his children.  He is the best example of a father.  He continually strives to be a guiding light for his children.  I love him.  He is always willing to work hard, no matter what it will cost him.  

Saturday we all woke up early and headed to The Women of Light Conference.  It was so uplifting.  We spent the entire day at the Conference.  Each main speaker had a beautiful message of truth and empowerment.  I felt so uplifted when we drove home.  

Mean while, my dad took my boys to a baptism and a school carnival.  He was at the carnival the entire afternoon!  I am sure he was exhausted.  We all ate dinner together, then Kendra and jumped in the car and drove to Phoenix.  We laughed and giggled the whole 6 1/2 hours to Craig and Blair's house in Peoria.

We arrived in Peoria at 1:30 at night.  We were both exhausted.  We slept until 10 when Blair woke us up with sweet smelling waffles!  The best breakfast ever.  After getting ready, quickly, we drove over to Scottsdale for the TIU tour.  We had so much fun together.  Jillian Michaels just killed us in the Arizona heat.  I absolutely loved meeting K&K and spending the afternoon with Kendra and Blair.  I am so glad they are on this crazy fitness journey with me.  Craig made us dinner which included stakes, potatoes, and carrots.  He even made dessert!!  CAKE! Yummy!  

I love my family.  I am so so glad I was able to spend some time with them this weekend.  After cake, Kendra and I drove over to the Phoenix Temple to take some photos, only to find that the gates were locked.  We made lemonade out of lemons and I think the photos we got will be stunning!  I got eaten alive by mosquitoes which was unexpected as Arizona is not known for mosquitoes.  I am still itching two days later!

After the photo shoot, Kendra and I climbed back in the car and drove back to Albuquerque.  We made such great time.  We got back to Albuquerque at about 1:30 in the morning and feel right to sleep.  Kendra had to be at the airport at 5:00 AM that morning, so we slept about 3 hours and then I woke up and drove her to the airport!  What a weekend!

I am grateful to my parents who took time out of their busy lives to be with me this weekend and I am so grateful to have such an adventurous sister who loves to stay awake all hours of the night driving to and from Arizona.  

I learned so much this weekend and I wish I could write it all down.  My most important thought from all this was: "Love more!"  I want to love more, judge less, and be a pillar of light for my family and friends. 

Now to catch up on editing photos and my sleep!!

Cougar track

Today was the boys first cross country meet. We woke up at 6:00 AM to drive down to the University of New Mexico golf course. We warmed up with the team at 7:00 then the race started at 8:00.  I told the boys that I would run with them; however, Edward took off and ran super fast the first two miles.  Nolen kept is nice and easy the whole time, so I ran with him. We found Edward at the finish line.  

Edward's time was 32:21:00 and Nolen's time was 34:55:80.  They both ran the entire time.  It was really fun to run with the boys.  They were both a bit worried when we got there, but after the race they were so happy!  Yay for running endorphins!  

Happy Saturday!