FHE Toes

A couple of weeks ago we had a family home evening that made me laugh.
We did the usual song, prayer, little lesson, song, etc.. but Lindy decided that for the activity portion that we should all paint our toes. Of course Nicole and I were quite happy to oblige but Steve said he would watch from the couch. Well, Daddy wasn't paying attention and Lindy very sneakily went and started on one foot, then killed herself laughing when he did notice. What a good sport, he let her finish off one foot and then Nicole got to paint the other side. They were beside themselves happy. And really, no big deal because it can totally come off. He even let me take a picture for the world to see. What a good Daddy!

ps. After I tipped off another wife, Steve was super cool and showed the other Dad's his toes Tuesday night after basketball because he had forgotten to take the polish off. He is a Daddy to little girls who adore him!

Hobbs FHE Fancy Toes

Family Dance

We had a 50's family dance the end of March at our church in Nanaimo. The girls had so much fun, mostly with the getting ready part (hair and outfits) and then playing with their friends at the dance. Renae probably danced the most that night. Family dances are so much fun, I hope there is another one soon!

With their fancy hair

my little models

this is Renae saying Cheese, she is so funny

A decoration that the kids loved!

She was so happy to dance in such a large space

dancing with friends

I love this picture!

Renae danced till we left!

Exercise?????

I went and played volleyball last night at the church with some other ladies. I was hesitant because I am 38 weeks pregnant and wasnt' sure how much I could do but thought I would go and just watch on the sidelines. I ended up playing for the whole time.
Now I am not a star athlete by any means. I haven't played a lot of team sports since high school (which seems forever ago now). But I do love to play team sports, it can be a lot of fun.
I was actually pretty impressed with myself for doing as much as I did, even though at times it felt like the baby was on the way out. And even though I was tired, I stayed on the court till the end. I was really tired going to bed last night but was quite proud of myself for giving it my best and getting some exercise.
Fast forward to this morning, I AM SOOOO SORE!!! Not only is my body just sore but I've had some good contractions (all false labour) for most of the day on and off. Maybe I did a little too much?!? I didn't even want to get out of bed this morning, which I did have to because the children were hungry and school is still in session. Normally I wouldn't have been that sore from playing  a little volleyball, but this far along.... it was brutal.
I am glad I went out, got some exercise and laughed last night. Exercise does make me feel better, I just need to do it in moderation :)

My Children Want Me!

I read an artical this past week which spoke volumes to my heart.

Your Children Want You!

I often feel like I am not enough, that I need to be doing more, that there is a better parent for my children, etc... They are so powerful that it is easy to doubt ourselves as Mothers and to doubt the importance of my role in this life. I will have many roles but the most important one is that of being a Mom to my children. I really loved the way I felt as I read this blog entry and I felt empowered knowing that my children want me and not someone else. Even on days when I am told (by them) how mad they are at me or how unfair I am or anything negative my way. I know ultimately that they need me and they love me. My kids will not remember if our house was the cleanest on the block or if I was the best cook in the world or if I was the craft Queen. But they will remember if they felt loved, if they were hugged and encouraged, if I played with them and if home was a place of safety.
I think my Mom is the most wonderful Mom in the entire world. She still makes me feel safe and loved and important. She is my friend. I want my children to look up to me and love me the way I love and look up to my Mom.
We are not perfect, we don't have to be. But I am a Mother and I need to magnify that role to the best of my ability. I want to create a safe Haven for my children to call home and I want them to know they are loved, safe and important in this world.
I am so grateful for the reminder that it doesn't matter how anyone else parents (although at times there are things that help us improve ourselves). I need to stop worrying about measuring up to the things I think I'm supposed to be doing and continue (or start in some cases) to do the things I know and feel are right for my family. I love my kids more then words can express and I need to always remember that they want me!