Random Thoughts. Okay...really random

So, the baby is not here yet, but he/she will be here on Friday. I am in complete nesting mode. I am doing way more laundry than necessary, organizing closets, scrubbing the stove, so on and so on... I am also making Eric "nest" which I'm sure he loves. (I can't do the painting!!) My house is feeling so much nicer and I am feeling SO READY! I go through spurts of anxiety and complete joy when I think of having another baby. This will be my 1st scheduled C-section, and I'm so nervous. Hopefully waiting to hear the gender will make me feel more excited and take my mind off of the surgery. 4 more days!!! Yay!

Also, yesterday was a great day at church! I have been praying that I would find ways to keep my children reverent during sacrament because sometimes Eric can't be there and I could not have handled 3 kids that were as crazy as mine during sacrament meeting. So, at the beginning of the year, we decided to get rid of toys and treats during sacrament and we only allow coloring books, paper, and books to look at and read. Can I just say- What a difference! They have stopped fighting over the last goldfish cracker and who gets which action figure. Our bench is actually quiet! There haven't been any "time-outs" in the hall since I've done this, and there used to be at least one time out per child. I actually got to LISTEN to the speakers yesterday. Which brings me to my next ramble...

One of the speakers yesterday quoted something that Elder Bednar had said at a meeting her daughter attended. He said (I'm paraphrasing) that we need to stop taking our families out to eat and start bringing them around the kitchen table. I wish I could remember everything that she quoted, but that was the point of it. Anyway, as I was taking Hayden and his friend to preschool today, the boys were talking about their grandparents and how many grandmas they have. Hayden said that one of his favorite Grandmas died. (he was talking about my Grandma Margaret, his great Grandma) He said, "She made the best food and I miss it!"

First of all, I am touched that he remembers her so fondly, but I am also thankful that he has some of the same memories and feelings that I do from being in her home. She was the best cook and every fast Sunday, she would make enough food to feed 10 families and feed all of her children, her children's children, and her children's children's children. It was like Thanksgiving! Turkey, homemade rolls, mashed potatoes, yummy gravy, pie, etc. With all of us gathered together like that she often asked about our lives, shared her own advice and experiences, and gave wonderful council. Boy, do I miss her.

Hayden talking about how good of a cook she was, made me think of the quote the speaker shared in sacrament, and also helped me recommit to this responsibility I have to my family. Not only does a home cooked meal taste better, it also creates memories, wonderful conversation and warm feelings in a home. I am so thankful I have been able to experience those feelings first hand and I hope that my children and children's children and children's children's children will benefit from those feelings that I am striving to create in my home. Thank goodness for wonderful strong women that make me want to be better.

So, enough of my random pregnancy brain ramblings... I'll have Eric post pictures and details on Friday when he gets a chance. Baby three is on the way!!