The Hobbs Family: January 2012

Tuesday, 31 January 2012

Young Womens

I have been serving as the Young Women's secretary in our ward for almost a year now. And I have come to love the girls that I serve and appreciate the program even more now, then when I was at that age. Of course that is to be expected because we never appreciate things when they are right in front of us, especially as teenagers. (Ok, that may not be true for everyone but it is for me).
We had our New Beginnings evening tonight and as I sat listening to the girls make their presentations, I remembered my time of being a young women and reflected on that for part of the evening.
I totally appreciate the leaders that I had and the leaders that serve now. Being a leader of youth can be a tough job sometimes and I admire anyone who does it. I have learned alot about myself and them.
I am also totally aware that I have 3 girls right now (maybe more to come) that will be youth one day and will be in the young women's program. I am so grateful to know that there are programs like this to support our children during their teenage years!
I appreciate that I can go to YW on Sundays and reciete the them which reminds me to "Stand for Truth and Righteousness at all times and in all things and in all places". The Gospel is not just for Sunday, it is for every minute of every day to try to live more like our Savior and work to return to live with him someday.

Friday, 27 January 2012

Tough now, Funny later???

Yesterday I had a midwife appointment, it was so nice to go and hear the baby's heartbeat, I always love that part! I had to bring all 3 kids with me because well, I didn't ask anyone to watch them (what was I thinking). It was one of the hardest outings we have had ever!

Lindy was fantastic, I must say that I enjoy my sweet Lindy. She is so helpful and such a good big sister.
Renae is 19 months old, has a mind of her own and doesn't like being told NO. She got lost in the office (there are multiple rooms), we couldn't find her and when we did she was in an office going through little supply jars, she was not impressed that I took her away from her game. She also wanted to play with the toilet plunger and phone and basically go everywhere she wasn't supposed to.

Nicole, well, I am pretty sure she was given to me for a reason, I just don't know what it is yet. She is so sweet sometimes but when she is not...... Anyways, let's just say there was not very good listening, didn't want to clean up the toys she had taken out, didn't want to get her boots or coat on, didn't want to walk out to the van after and when I picked her up she didn't want that either. She proceeded to stratch and pull my hair as I tried to carry her. I won't fill you in on all the details but let's just say it took 10 minutes to get like 20 feet into the van. Then she unbuckled herself when we started driving (I didn't know this till we got home and she informed me with a smug look on her face). The feelings I had yesterday were not very good. I did not feel like a good Mom and I wanted to give Nicole away. I was beyond frustrated in the whole experience and really had to reflect on how I could have dealt with it differently. I'm still trying to figure it out. I actually wish I could have videotaped the experienced to show her later and to help her understand that behavior is not appropriate but of course that didn't happen (actually I was worried that someone else was watching, taping it and was going to youTube it with the title "Bad Mother" because I was obviously frustrated trying to get her in the van.)
I know (or rather I hope) this stage won't last forever and we will have a better relationship at some point. I learn something new everyday from Nicole and I truely do love her with everything that I am. I am so grateful for all of my girls and I love being a Mom. It is so frustrating to have days like that though.
Today was better, every day is different and I just need to see the joy when it is there.

So one lesson learned for me was GET A FRIEND TO WATCH THE KIDS WHEN I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT! So for those of you who offered, I will be taking you up on that!

Tuesday, 3 January 2012

Good Intentions for a New Year

My life the last few months is a bit of a blur. Since I found out I was expecting and Lindy started school, time has flown by way too fast. The Christmas season feels like a dream, did it even happen??? We have done so much the last few month (and the last couple weeks), I can hardly keep up with everything. But some things need to change because I need to make some goals and make some changes. I need to prioritze differently and get certain things done before May hits (hopefully this baby doesn't make an entrance before May 1st, I have too much to do).
Steve has been crazy busy with work, which has contributed to the blur of activity. Somedays, it's all I can do to get the basics done, do the school routine and keep everyone happy. This job is hard some days! Not having Daddy around much has been hard for the kids but we just try to make the best of it, knowing (or rather hoping) that it won't last forever.
Lindy is doing fantastically in school. She loves Grade 1, is learning so much and loves going to school to learn and be with her friends. She completed 2 more levels of swimming in the last few months and wants to try Gymnastics.
Nicole is still my bundle of delightfulness (is that even a word). She challanges me and helps me grow everyday. I love to laugh, dance, sing and play with her when she is happy. But other days, I would love to give her away (not really, but you know what I mean). I am learning about both of us and how to better communicate and be a better parent. Heavenly Father knew I needed a challange so I was blessed with my children, so I can grow.
Renae is my chubby, little, busy, cheeky, squealy, girl. I love her energy and passion (which bascially means, when she is not happy she turns into the Hulk). She is discovering things all the time. She loves anything with buttons or anything electronic, so the computer/TV/phones are constantly on her radar of what she wants to touch.
Steve and I cannot imagine our lives without our kids. Each of them offers a special part to our family and we love them more then words can say. We are so excited to welcome another little person into our family soon!
Ha, Ha, I just read this and it sounds alittle like a Christmas letter you send out (which I did not do). But reflecting on the last couple months, that is what came out.
I have some wonderful friends who have been an amazing support the last while, when Steve has been gone so much and appreciate all they do for me. I love when we can get together for playdates, movie nights, book club, shopping or just phone calls when we are stuck at home in the evenings while our husbands are busy.
I have a wonderful life and need to appreciate it everyday. I have a fantastic family and can't imagine my life without them. I love, love, love my husband! He is such a good provider for our family and my best friend. And he gets points for loving me even when I am pregnant (which means crazy/hormonal), he is a wonderful husband and father for our family.
I think I should do a month of gratefulness again because that seemed to be an easier, no pressure way for me to blog. I really do enjoy it, it just takes time. Again, I need to prioritize.
So Happy New Year and here's to a fabulous 2012, full of lots of love and exciting changes for the Hobbs family. Lots of projects to work on to keep me busy and happy!