Love Notes

I have always loved writing notes to my boys. I feel like I am much more able to articulate my feelings in writing. Sometimes I am lucky enough to receive notes back from them. I love them so much.

Last night, this note was in my bathroom. It was from Colton.

Colton's friend, Jamari, is having a birthday this week and it is quite important to Colton that we get Jamari a gift. This note tells me that he would like to get Jamari a football movie that's a true story and some hi-chews (which happen to be Colton's favorite candy). He would also like Jamari to sleep over at our house tonight.

I will surely stop and pick up what he has requested for his friend. I believe I shall also get some balloons and possible cupcakes for the kids in the complex to enjoy while they celebrate Jamari's birthday and while I celebrate my boys' ability to show kindness and adoration for other people.

I Still Choose You

Dear Jackson, Braxton, Kaydon, and Colton:

And I'd do it all over again just to have you. I choose you today and I'll choose you for forever. Mommy loves you!

Their Daddy

I spent yesterday at Brandon and Carrie's house to help again with the boys. Sweet Carrie is so tired and is trying so hard to keep routines and schedules in place. Sweet Asher loves his auntie and was such a good boy. We did tummy time and sat in the bumbo. We sang songs and talked and gave lots of kisses. Sweet Anson is having some tummy problems and mostly screamed the entire day.

Brandon made Carrie go lay down in the late afternoon and he dealt with Anson. Asher woke up from a nap, so I sat him next to his daddy while I made his bottle. I love this picture. I told Brandon how proud I am of him and what an amazing job he is doing. He is a fantastic chiropractor, who supports his family willingly and happily. When he is home, he is fully involved. He is hands-on and constantly parenting. He feeds them, changes them, bathes them, dresses them, watches MTV Classics with them. He does the house work and laundry. He cooks meals. He is a very loving and supportive husband and is an amazing dad. I really am so proud of him!

Friday Favorites - Momming

I have often said that I would give anything for my boys to have an extremely close and nurturing relationship with their dad. I often have people tell me that I am so lucky because I have them all of the time, I make all of the decisions for our family without any arguing with anyone else, I don't have to fight with an ex spouse regarding time or basic decisions. However, I most often respond with the first sentence.

Single momming is not how it is meant to be. It just isn't. But if you look around, there are so many single parents doing a pretty kick-booty job at it. Why? Because we don't give ourselves the option. We just do. We do our best. Almost always, we are blessed with an amazing support system. I could not do this without mine. My family is so loving and so supportive. My boys have always had excellent Priesthood holders in their lives to help them along the way. Somehow, financially we make it with the blessing of paying tithing and having a support system.

I cannot imagine my life without being a mom and I can't imagine my life without being the mom of these four boys. There are nights when I just want to forget about the day and close my eyes and try again the next day. There are nights when I am positive I fall asleep with a smile on my face because the day was so full of apparent joy. There are nights when I cry myself to sleep because of worry or fear or angst or guilt or frustration or exhaustion. There are nights when my teenage boys climb in to bed with me and just need their mama.

Each day, we get up and we show up. Not because we always want to, but because we choose to. This momming thing is such a blessing. I feel so honored to be a mama!

Such Talent

Kaydon made the most beautiful cutting board for me in school. I wish this picture did it justice. It's amazing!!!

New Food - Quinoa and Roasted Vegetable Soup

I tried another new food for us on Memorial Day. I love Zupas' quinoa and roasted vegetable soup. So I made up my own and it is delicious!!!

Saute:
2 tsp. oil
1 diced onion
4 chopped carrots
3 chopped zucchini
1 cup chopped cabbage

Add
1 can of diced tomatoes (I used my bottled stewed tomatoes)
Pinch of salt & black pepper

Add
1 1/2 cup quinoa
2 cans of vegetable broth (I used low-sodium)
2 cups water

Let simmer for 20-25 minutes

Add
1 can rinsed pinto beans (pretty sure you can add kidney or great northern white... I just had pinto)
2 cups leeks (pretty sure you can use kale or any green)
1 cup shelled edamame
Parsley
Bay leaf
Teaspoon, or so, salt and black pepper

Done.

I am positive there are so many variations. You could add celery. You could add garlic. I just used what vegetables I had on hand. I love this stuff. It makes A LOT of food, so be prepared or cut the recipe.

Little Dude

My Saturday and most of my Sunday were spent with Little Dude and his new baby brother. I have nicknames for everyone! Jackson is Bubba. Braxton is Peanut. Kaydon is Buddha. Colton is Boogie. I've decided on Little Dude for Asher. I need to bond a little more with Anson before I decide on one for him. Little Dude and I bonded lots this weekend. We did tummy time, sat in the bumbo for a little bit, watched softball, watched music videos, sang and danced, did some bath time... we practiced open mouth, slobbery kisses, he pooped all over me, the wall, and everything else. We laughed and told stories. He is currently my favorite. Just saying.

Carrie is nursing Anson. She would get up, nurse him, then put him down and take medicine so that she could rest. Brandon took care of errands and yard work and was able to get some good naps in. I absolutely love this time of my life. My boys are amazing. Being an auntie is amazing. I just love these boys in my life!!