Week 6: The City You Live In

When I first stumbled upon this gratitude challenge I kind of had to giggle over this topic, "The City You Live In." Growing up in Nephi it was kind of just the "thing" to hate on it. Indeed it is a tiny, little city with not a whole lot to offer, especially in the entertainment department.  Though it be SO horrible, why is it most of us who have been raised here find ourselves sneaking back to raise our own families? I say sneaking because it's really quite comical when the decision is made to move back to Nephi. Most all of us try to do so without a soul knowing.  When we do have to explain we have moved back, the explanation isn't usually done with pride. So, what is it? Is it the comfort of having family and friends live only blocks away?  Is it the closeness of the small community? Is it the simplicity of only one street light and having everything within walking distance? To be honest, I'm not sure I'll ever quite know what it is about this little place, but in my old age ;) I've learned to appreciate this little city more than I have wanted to let up.
Though I can't quite decide if I necessarily want to raise my children here forever, I really do not mind Nephi.  It was a pretty big decision deciding to move back in the first place.  If it wouldn't have been for our son, I don't believe we would have chose to move back, actually, the idea probably wouldn't have even presented itself.  The ultimate deciding factor came down to family.  With Drayze being so young and not having much luck with daycare(s) it was somewhat of a no brainer to move back so my sister in law could watch him while I work.  This has been an absolute life saver for us!  The majority of our family also lives in Nephi. I didn't realize how much this affected my life growing up until I had a family of my own.  I want my kids to be able to call their cousins to play or "run away" to Grandma and Grandpa's house when they're mad at mom and dad.  I want their aunts and uncles to be able to pop by on the fly just to hang out.  I want them to look forward to the small town traditions with their friends.  The same way I did when I was a kid.
The simplicity of this little city just fits our lifestyle.  I don't need a shopping mall within arms reach, and I don't expect to be wined and dined at the fanciest of restaurants.  I don't need 10 different grocery stores to choose from, nor will I need 3 different schooling options for our kids. Although a Starbucks would be awesome, or any coffee shop for that matter, I'm quite content with this tiny little city for now.  Who knows where the future will take us, but as for now, home sweet home.

Because we live so close to family.....

Having family dinner or simply getting together can be a spur of the moment thing.

 

I am able to spend as much time with my mom and grandma as I please.

 

My brothers {and parents} can rescue my child when I am in need of alone time.

Morning coffee with Grandma can be a regular thing.

I have a close relationship with our neices and nephews!

  

Week 5: Something Someone Gave You

As I pondered the things I have been generously given throughout my lifetime I felt overwhelmed with gratitude for those who have taken the time to think about me and care enough to choose a gift with me in mind. I have been given so many amazing things throughout my life, all of which I have loved and cherished. Items I truly hold dear to my heart. If I am honest though, there isn't a materialistic item or gift that tops the gift my husband and child(ren) have given me. The gift of being a mother. The gift of knowing unconditional love. The gift of loving someone even more than you love yourself.

I've said it before, but if you would have asked me 5-6 years ago how I would picture my life, two kids and a husband probably wouldn't be included in that answer. Although, I never really did know what I wanted to do with my life, I just didn't exactly picture myself as a mother. Oh, how I thank God for unanswered prayers.

Since becoming a mommy I have learned more about life, myself, and love than I ever imagined possible! Now that I have taken on the overwhelming, exhausting, rewarding role of mom, there isn't anything else I would want to do with my life. I owe it to Zacary for making it even possible for me to be a mom. Not only because he gifted me with our beautiful child(ren), but because I truthfully, whole heartedly mean it when I say I could NOT do it without him. He is my patience when I just can't take it anymore. He is the kid at heart our children need. He plays with Drayze from the minute he arrives home from work until the moment we all go to bed. Some nights I just want to be alone, and he never questions why or makes me feel guilty about it. He takes care of our son by feeding, bathing and putting him to bed without me having to ask. He is an unbelievable daddy, which makes my role as mommy that much more enjoyable. 

In my twenty {almost} five years of life the greatest gift of all is the gift of having our own tiny family filled with tiny little humans who fill our hearts with more love than we could have ever imagined! 

 

He wil always be my baby boy.

Baby #2. Couldn't be more excited to meet this little fella.

Terrible quality of photo, but it's our most recent family picture. :)