Magic

So we're in the middle of finishing a bathroom in the basement for the boys. It has been fun watching it all come together and it will be so amazing to finally have a guest bathroom and boy bathroom down there. The annoying part has been being stuck at home every day while the various workers have come to contribute to the project. Yesterday the cabinets came and oh, I adore them. Ya know what else I adore? The cute cabinet man who made them. He was so sweet to my kids and so kind to me. When he walked into my house he was very complimentary and sweet. He looked at me....baby on my hip, screaming so loudly I could hardly hear what he was saying.....toddler handing on my arm, cranky and teething and begging for my attention...and son sprawled out on the couch.....home because he had a horrible sore throat. Guess that that cute little cabinet man said to me?

He said, "You are in the middle of the most magical time of life young lady. I hope you are trying to love each minute of it!"

At first I thought he was teasing me. Nope. He was serious and the way he said it told me that it was a comment straight from the heart. He was right too. I thought about it all day long. I thought about how this crazy life of mine is overwhelming, exhausting, tough at times, sometimes boring, sometimes fun, exciting, fulfilling and incredible. It doesn't feel magical all the time but I realize that is is fleeting and I will continue to try to make the most of it. I'll push though the tough parts and continue to make the most of this season of life with my precious kids and my husband.

I feel like all of this "magic" going on around me has kept me so busy and its getting harder and harder to find the time to write things down. I may not write as much anymore but I will do the best I can and I won't beat myself up about it.

Anyway, back to the bathroom. It was supposed to take 2 weeks but looks like it will take closer to a month now. It's all good because we've made it work for us this long so I am sure we will somehow survive. I'll be sure and post some pictures once its all done.

In other random Starnes news;

1. I got braces this week. I thought I could go in to the ortho office, pick up a new retainer and be on my way. Apparently my teeth have moved so much that braces were in order. Luckily a good friend in our ward is an orthodontist and is hooking me up with a good deal. 6 months or so until perfect teeth....I'm excited!

2. I've started running. Yes, I know....running is for criminals (as my husband always says) but I've been at it for 3 weeks now and I'm actually really enjoying it. Between running and my new POUND class (hardest class ever...SO much harder then Zumba), I am working hard and feeling good. 3 weeks until my first 5k. I'm nervous but confident at the same time. It feels good to have some goals and fun to see my progress as my health gets better and better. Gotta lose this baby weight. 2 babies back to back is brutal on the old body.

3. One week until SPRING BREAK! I can hardly wait. I'm packing up the kids and my Grandma and down to St. George we go. Changing up the scenery is good for us. Just wish Daddy could come along with.

4. Speaking of Daddy....Nate moves into his BRAND NEW OFFICE in a week or so. The other space was too small and didn't accommodate their firms growing needs. It is looking fabulous and I am SO SO excited for him and his for his partners. If I get a chance I'll try to get some pictures for the old blog of the new office. With underground parking, a gym, showers, and access to his own patio, I'm thinking this new place is going to be pretty amazing.

5. Landon joined the Spanish club at school. He told me "Mom, I need to learn some Spanish so that I can talk to Uncle J when he gets home from his mission in 4 months." Cutest boy in the world. Countdown is ON for Elder Rock's return. We all MISS him so much and can't wait to see him and hug the crap out of him!

6. My bubsie is 4 months old already. He is the sweetest anti sleeper around. I guess I deserve ONE kid who doesn't sleep. All my other kids had it down by now. Not this little stinker. He fights and fights it some more. We'll still keep him though. His sweet coos and ticklish belly make up for the lack of sleep I guess.