Getting Bigger and Hanging Out

We have been up to a lot lately, it seems. Or maybe it just seems that way because I do EVERYTHING now that Jake is a traveling man. I go to bed so tired!! Actually, so tired that I have a hard time falling asleep. It's one of those cruel injustices I have to deal with in my lovely life! Every now and then we get to just chill at home. Here are some memories captured on camera of my adorable 3 boys.
I love this face. I don't know what he was doing. Can anyone tell me what color his eyes are? I cannot figure it out.
Isn't this fancy? I love his booty wiggle and speed!

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"Playing house" this morning. I thought it was cute to boot!
Notice I called my boys adorable? I really do mean it this time. I feel like I've had a transformation of sorts this week. Some of my boys give me some EXTREME challenges (mostly because we're both head strong and want to be right). I have been doing a lot of pondering, studying, crying, depressing (I know that's not good vocab), and plain introspection. I've discovered that this problem I was dealing with had seeped into all areas of my life and was changing me in ways that I hated. I started really not liking who I had become.

I finally decided to let go and just LOVE!! Okay, I know this sounds so cheesy but it really has worked. I've been listening to these talks by John Lund. He talked about having challenging kids and how parents who seek to perfect their kids only succeed in driving them further away by them constantly not meeting expectations (me to a "T"). I expect a LOT out of my kids and when they don't mold just perfectly--watch out! Anyhow, Brother Lund encouraged parents to "Just love them and do what you can do". Basically, always show conditional love and the rest will take care of itself.

I was so caught up in perfecting this child that I was having a hard time loving him. I've changed and life has been so, so much better. I'm just determined to love this child first and foremost and to pick my battles. I guess I don't always have to win. Danget! ALSO, I am reading a great book called "Positive Discipline" that I would totally recommend to any parent. I didn't mean for this to be a confessional. Just thought I'd share my experiences.