Thoughts and an Update

I should give an update on everyone- Dan is healthy and growing biceps. He's doing this program for push-ups, he's the kinda guy that always has little competitions and goals going on. And he's got this top secret notebook for great ideas and plans.

Abraham is drooling like a dog, but he has 2 new teeth to show for it- his canines. Bringing the total somewhere up to... 16? Let's just say it's too many. He likes to give you a little bite on the arm if you're carrying him, and I'm finding teeth marks everywhere. It's like having a puppy.

Mary is still absorbed in coloring. She wants to color anytime we are sitting down. Sitting down to eat, sitting down to chat on the computer, sitting in a taxi, on an airplane, waiting for the airplane, playing blocks. My Mom sent us some coloring books and Mary has almost worked her way through an entire one. (It's one of those big thick Costco sized ones, I'm sure mom bought it there too.)

I am great as well. My running has picked up, funny though it's all on a treadmill, and the treadmill is in km, and has a static problem. So, if I don't tap the heart rate monitor every few strides I get shocked through the ear buds because my ipod is resting on the stand. And if I'm lucky enough I get a huge shock that almost knocks me off the machine and the machine shuts it's self off. So, with regular intervals I faithfully complete my runs while blasting the music in hopes to go deaf before my 30th birthday.

I've been thinking lately about being a good mother. Not just being a mother, but focusing on the reasons why I am a mom. Why I chose this role, why it might be fulfilling to me when others find it to be such a drag. I am surrounded by all kinds of mothers. Many of which have that role only biologically. Few who play that role on a daily basis, and none who really seem to be enjoying it. I love my job, it really is my job. Managing a household, though I do have help, shopping, cooking, laundry, childcare, parks, play dates, picking up dry cleaning, story time, workout time, scriptures with the kids, talking with Mary, playing with toys on the floor... a lot to do, but I really am grateful for my responsibilities and thankful that when I complete a small task like cleaning the top of my bathroom sink I feel empowered to accomplish more. I am a quirky person in that I enjoy responsibility and hard tasks, I am motivated by small successes, by crossing off chores on my To Do list. (I love making that list.)
Anyway, if a girl can't find something about the tasks/opportunities of motherhood that is engaging or fulfilling, I can't imagine that she is very happy or successful outside of that sphere.