I am 26!

Yesterday was my birthday! Ben got up at 5 so that he could decorate before he left to go boating at 6 and then work at 8. I was not expecting there to be decorations, even though it's tradition. He got me some new running shoes that I'm very excited about. We went on a date that evening and it was so nice to be alone with him. We went to Red Robin for nostalgia. We went there on our first date. Then we saw Now You See Me. It was very enjoyable.

It's weird to say how old you are because no one ever asks you anymore. It's easy to forget. I never have to write it anywhere, because they just ask for a birth date. I'm feeling grateful and humbled at 26. I realize I know little of what I thought I knew. Like parenting or the gospel. But I feel a huge desire to learn and improve. I love to work hard recently, but I constantly have to work on patience with myself and my kids. I think I have the right parenting techniques, until the next phase of each child comes to light and then its a new discovery. I'm reading more books on the gospel and teaching my kids. They are SO helpful. There really is so much to learn and very little is just "intuitive."

Although, nothing is more helpful than the Holy Ghost as a mother. I get little promptings every day about menial things. "Grab some socks on your way out the door for Liam." -Oh it's because he is crying for them when I get in the car. "Don't go to the park you planned on, go to a different one." -Oh it's because Troy was asking for a specific park and I didn't know what he was talking about until we got there. "He doesn't understand, he is so little, and that's easy to forget." -I hear this a lot. I want so badly for my children to be reasoned with, but it just isn't so with toddlers. I've really had to let go of my control issues. And SO many more that I am grateful for. What I really want out of this life is obtained through obedience. I get the companionship of the Holy Ghost and peace. I'm so grateful for these things!