What to you do in the summertime?

The question is, what don't we do in the summertime? I love summer for many reasons. I love the warm evenings, lack of schedule, delicious fresh produce, and the overall feeling of relaxation. Even though it is relaxing, we've been super busy doing fun things. Here is a short list of the awesome things we've done...so far!

1. Made several trips to Hogle Zoo with cousins and friends. The new exhibits really are well done. And please ignore the fact that my kids are wearing almost the same outfit each time we've gone!

 2. Gone laser tagging with all the family. This is one of my favorite traditions. There's nothing like running around a black-lit room, sweating and shooting at each other for three hours to bring a family together!

3. Played outside...a lot. Whether at the swimming pool, in the backyard, or exploring, the kids get tired and happily go to bed every night. That is what being a kid in the summer is all about!

4. Gone on a zip line. Tyler was the first brave kid to try the line. Of course, Hannah couldn't be outdone by her brother. She had NO FEAR at all and had a great time! When it was my turn, I had to tell myself, "If Hannah can do it, I can do it!"

5. Visited the Treehouse Museum in Ogden. Tyler and Hannah's cousins, Hayden and Jonah were in town. They all had a blast together. Even though it is a bit of a drive, it was worth every cent!

6. Done parades and sparklers. The 4th of July is always a great day full of good food, fun family activities and awesome fireworks. My mom sure knows how to host a good party!

7. Gone fishing. This was just for the boys. When I asked Tyler if he caught a fish he said, "I caught a few, but I didn't get to reel them in!" Either way, he loved it and can't wait to go again with his "best bud, Dad."

8. Tried to savor the moments when we are together as a family.

Eight is Great!

Eight years ago today, I married this guy:

(This is actually the first time I "kissed" Steve...we lost playing a game against his cousin Sam and my friend Shannon and the losers had to kiss each other on the cheek! Thanks Shannon for coming up with that idea!)

 I remember thinking the day we got married that I had no idea what was in store for us as a family. And I still don't know what life will bring us. I'm just blessed beyond measure that I have someone to share my life with. I think it is safe to say that when any of us get married, we are in the "infatuation" stage of love. Now that I'm older, I feel like my love for my husband has matured. He still makes me laugh and treats me with the same love and respect he did when we met, but I feel like we have "grown up" together. After seven moves, three degrees, four states, and two children, we have come to rely on each other.

When we were engaged, I remember people telling us that marriage was going to be work. To be perfectly honest, the first four years were a breeze. It was a smooth easy transition for us. But in the last few years, I've come to understand what they meant. If we don't make time for each other and work towards making the other person happy and stay connected, it will never happen. It is a conscious effort to let the other person know you love and appreciate all they do.

How do I know I married the right man for me? At the end of the day he is still the person I want to talk to most. He is still my best friend. I love you Steve. Thanks for eight years of wonderful!

I'm A Big Kid Now!

Tyler graduated from preschool last week. He just loved this last year. He is a very social boy, so he thrives with all the kids. He also really enjoys learning and being creative. I truly feel like he is prepared to succeed in Kindergarten. Wow, I am going to have a Kindergartner! I'm feeling old. But that's a post for another day!

Tyler really did a great job at the graduation. He was a great listener, singer, dancer, and speaker. And, I know I am biased, but he sure looked handsome.

Now to begin the summer of fun before school starts! We've got swimming, the zoo, splash pads, parks, cousin visits, museums, and late nights of playing outside to keep us busy.

"If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard, is what makes it great."

The other night one of my favorite shows was on TV. I love A League of Their Own. Mostly because it reminds me of all the good times playing volleyball. I digress. A clip of the movie really struck me while I was watching it. Tom Hanks' character says, "Baseball is what gets inside you. It's what lights you up, you can't deny that. It's supposed to be hard. If it wasn't hard, everyone would do it. The hard...is what makes it great."

I know he is talking about baseball, but that quote made me think of motherhood. It is hard. And honestly there are many days where I just want to quit. These two little lives are completely dependent on me. If I am not 100% invested in their learning, success, and well being, who will be? It is overwhelming. I often feel extremely inadequate and undeserving of two perfectly healthy, beautiful children. Especially when I read of such heart breaking stories like this. Do I really appreciate the sacred gift of my children?

I have been thinking a lot about this. I beat myself up a lot that I'm not doing a craft with my kids three times a week, or living at the library, or making great tasting organic meals. I feel like I must be failing because I don't have furniture in my home that I refinished myself after finding it at the thrift store, or because I don't wear the cutest clothes in the smallest possible size, or smile at my kids when they are whining and driving me bonkers.

This is where the movie quote comes in. Motherhood is hard. It is supposed to be. It is the test of this life for women. To learn how to humbly ask the Lord to help us with the this awesome responsibility we have to raise these perfect little souls entrusted to our care. Raising Tyler and Hannah is the most worthwhile thing I can be doing, so naturally it is going to require all of my mental, physical and emotional strength in order to be successful. While I am NEVER going to love the tantrums and disobedience, I am going to love them forever. I am always going to struggle with keeping my calm when Tyler splatters his toothbrush on my newly cleaned mirror, but I will also always love watching Tyler sing his heart out for me on Mother's Day. Hannah's bad manners and goofing off at the dinner table is going to drive me insane, but her snuggles when I read to her make even the most frustrating of days seem not quite as bad. For with all of their quirks, I have my own. They forgive me on a daily basis. They keep me humble. All they need from me is for me to "show up" each day for them. I can do that!  

So do I really appreciate the sacred gift of my children? The answer is a resounding yes! I would not trade Tyler and Hannah and my role as their mother for anything else on this earth. Because the hard is what makes it great!

Cause for Celebration

It has been a good couple of weeks at the Pulley home. While there have also been countless tantrums and fits, cleaning, laundry, bills, etc., we have three great reasons to celebrate.

First is Steve's birthday. The birth of my good husband is definitely something to celebrate. He works so hard for our family. Steve rarely has time to himself or to do the things he enjoys, and doesn't complain. I on the other hand complain, probably daily, about some aspect of my life or the kids.

Steve wanted a homemade dinner of pork chops with spiced apples and raisins and butterscotch brownies for dessert. All I have to do is give him some good food and he's happy. He is easy to please! The kids loved helping him open presents and were great little singers. Tyler bought Steve a gift with his own money and made a card all by himself. Steve and I noticed that his drawings resemble anime cartoons!

The next reason to be happy is the selling of our house in Boise. We loved this house. We became a family there. However, it has been a money drain since we left 3 1/2 years ago. I cannot tell you how happy I am that we never have to think about that house again...except for the good memories. No more bills, no more HOA dues, no more insurance. It feels like a huge weight has been lifted from our shoulders. A real blessing indeed!

Last, but not least, we celebrated my birthday. It was a great day. My sister-in-law took me out to a delicious breakfast, followed by a quick stop at the zoo for Hannah. The afternoon was spent relaxing, playing outside with the kids, and not doing the daily things that could easily wait until AFTER my birthday!

I didn't have to cook, clean or do any dishes thanks to a delicious dinner out. My three loves spoiled me with flowers (from Hannah), new gum (from Tyler), clothes and spending money.

These celebrations make me thankful for my family, friends, and blessings.