Easter Fun and Jon Turns One!

First off, I have to say my inspiration for my catchy title of this post that rhymes is my friend and self-discovered poet, Kelly Clegg! Wade's mom and step-dad had an Easter egg hunt and BBQ for the whole family the Saturday before Easter. Unfortunately, Emily and I were sick, so we stayed home and played together instead. I loved the one-on-one time with my sweet girl, but honestly, it was so hard to stay home while everyone else was having fun! :( It was the worst case of the flu I have ever gotten. I mean I was out of it! Although it's never fun to be sick, we were so blessed that it was Spring Break for Wade, because he was able to take care of me and the kids when he normally would have had class. He definitely earned the HUSBAND OF THE YEAR award! He was so good to me! I love you babe!

So even though Em and I stayed home, Wade and Jonathan had a great time with the Easter egg hunt and just being with the family! After dinner, they celebrated Jon's 1st birthday and let him attack the cake and get super messy! I can't believe I have a one-year-old...and a two-year old! Jon is such a funny little guy! And yes, those chubby cheeks are very kissable in case you were wondering! :)
Easter is a special holiday because it's all about our Savior and remembering His atoning sacrifice for us, but of course, the kids still had Easter baskets hidden around the house left by the Easter bunny. Next year, to help my kids focus more on Jesus, I want to do what Carolee's family does with hiding one empty Easter egg to help remember that Christ's tomb was empty and the special child to find that egg receives a picture of Christ. Great idea, huh?

 What a happy boy! He's been fussy lately with teething pains (you know how that is) but not today, he was all smiles.
After dropping Emily off at Joy School, Jonathan and I headed to the library as usual for Book Baby, which is a fun story time for babies. The story lady reads a few books and sings songs with the kids, and then she either gets out the big parachute, musical instruments, or blows bubbles while the kids dance around. It's a blast!
I think he loves his mama! Thanks Traci for capturing this on camera. This is a great moment!

Shakin' the jingle bells at Book Baby and playing with the kitchen when we picked Emily up from Joy School

Playing Peek-A-Boo with the snowman's black hat. So silly!

We had a nice Easter dinner (a week late since I was so sick on Easter) with my sister, Margaret and her family. Jon got more birthday cake to destroy, which he thoroughly enjoyed! I love that my sister lives so close. We scrapbook and make cards, bake all sorts of things, especially cinnamon rolls, and just talk. Sometimes I miss my friends and family in St. George so much, but having Marg here makes me happy! I'm also grateful to have Wade's family near by. They are a great support to us. It's so wonderful to watch my kids play with their cousins, both their first cousins and their second cousins! What in the world would I do without our family?
Since Jon just turned 1 years old, I have thought A LOT about my labor and delivery with him and both the joys and challenges that I experienced in welcoming him into the world. To help me avoid the baby blues a little, I bought a collection book of my favorite comic strip "Baby Blues." I would read and reread and just couldn't stop laughing! It was very therapeutic. I recommend it to any of you moms out there with a new baby (Ali, Haven, Michelle-soon) In fact, it's a pick-me-up for ANY mom! When Jon was born, I struggled with feeling guilt for everything. I wondered if I was giving enough love and attention to Emily since baby Jon required so much, or if I was giving Jon enough of myself since I had a toddler that also needed me. It was a battle of emotions, as many of you have experienced. I loved my new little boy, but wasn't sure if I felt the same connection with him that I did when I was a brand new mom with Emily. Prayer got me through a lot. I knew I could love both of my children unconditionally, even during my most difficult times, because I knew I had a loving Heavenly Father who loved me unconditionally, despite my constant mistakes and imperfections. I still know that! The truths of the Gospel give me so much strength, and even though I know it's okay to cry from time to time, I feel so much joy and gladness to be alive and healthy and have the amazing friends and family that I do.