This One's On Me!

I just had to blog about this. It totally made my day...
Last week, after spending the day at the aquarium and having dinner with just my husband, we were headed back to my sisters house to pick up the kids. We were stopped at a light next to a small convience store. As we were sitting there, and realizing we still had a little bit of a drive home after picking up the kids, we decided to stop and grab a drink to share. Steve pulled up and I hopped out and ran in to get the drink. When I got in, the lone worker was cleaning up and around the pop dispenser, so I mentioned that I felt bad that I was going to make him stop working and ruin his cleanup job. He said he didn't mind and we exchange a few other "pleasantires." Okay, I really don't remember what I said and I really don't think I flirted with him. Hello, I'm married! And I've never been much of a flirt. So, what happened next took me by surprise. After grabbing the lid and straw for my drink. I told the clerk that I had what I needed and was ready to pay.
He then asked me if I really had all that I wanted. I said, "Yes."
He said, "Okay, bye!"
I said, "How much do I owe?"
He said, "Nothing."
I said, "No, really, how much do I owe?"
And again he said, "Nothing. It's on me! Have a good evening and don't argue with me."
I stood there a little shocked still. Did this man just by me a drink? I know I mentioned that my husband was out in the car. I didn't want to argue with him, but I was just so shocked!
Okay, he was probably just being nice and didn't want to be bothered with "ringing up" for a little drink, but I would like to think that maybe he was trying to flirt with me or something. Do I still have that in me? Not that I'm looking or anything. I am happily married! It was just kind of weird and a little exhilirating. I haven't had that kind of experience for a while (about a year after I got married, I was trying to help some friends flirt with some guys, you know encouraging them on, my friends, not the guys, and one of the guys started to flirt with me. Oops! I quickly, and non-challantely, showed him my ring. It was funny!)

Op Zoek Naar Maria (Watch out For Maria!)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vq6b9bMBXpg
One of my companions from my mission sent this to me a couple of weeks ago. I know it's making it's way around the web, but I still laugh every time I see it. So, I just had to add it here.
This brings me joy for a couple of reasons. First, it's just so funny how spontaneous it appears. And I love how the on-lookers react...some join in, others just gawk. Second, since this happened in the Antwerpe Train Station, I feel a little connection to it. While serving my mission in Belguim, I went through this train station a few times. It's really a beautiful station. But I also love the announcer over the intercom. Mooi!

Motherhood

I've heard comments before about how much life changes when you have a baby. It's true. Life does change. Sure, there's the little sleep from multiple middle-of-the-night feedings. There's events you may have to miss out on because you have a baby. Your time is no longer yours. Life really does change.
But...it's all for the better. I can't even imagine life before I had kids. That life seems like such a distant world. I've become less selfish (I hope). I've made small sacrifices that before kids would have seemed huge. And...life has become so much more meaningful. I love motherhood!
Yes, it's hard when your toddler throws tantrums in the middle of church (thank goodness it doesn't happen often). Yes, it's hard when you get halfway through your morning workout and your baby wakes up and wants to eat NOW. But nothing is harder than the opportunities I would miss if I weren't a mother.
Since my 2 1/2 year old was born, I have never missed an opportunity to go into his room at night before I go to bed to whisper, "I love you, " and kiss him goodnight. I now get to do the same with my baby. I often wonder how long I will get to do that.
I love having playtime with my kids. Nothing beats building a train track with your toddler only to watch the baby crawl over and try her hardest to destroy it. We all laugh and then get into tickle wars. Such sweet sounds!
Neither of my kids are real "mama's" kids. They enjoy going to and playing with their dad, or other people. But I love the reception I get when I come home after leaving them to go to meetings or grocery shopping.
Being a mother has made me realize just how precious life is! I do dread my kids getting older, but I know that as they do, there will be even more of them to enjoy. I am so grateful that my parents set a great example of family life. I now have that desire to build strong relations with my kids and make great memories.
I remember my toddler going through a phase of calling me, "Mama." It was kind of funny and not what I expected to ever be called (I thought for sure "mommy" would be first). But, I felt this way then and I feel this way now...how ever it is said, "Mom" is the sweetest thing I've ever heard and being a mom is the best career I could have ever chosen!