"Beautiful Mess"

Several months ago my very wise mother-in-law said something to me that has stuck with me and I think about often. I was talking with her about our financial situation, or the lack thereof, when she said,

 "You are rich in things that matter." 

Sean and I are aware of the COUNTLESS blessings/miracles we have had in our lives together, both temporal and spiritual. Even with our midget apartment, government supplemented food and insurance, and finding myself shopping for clothes at Goodwill, I have never thought the word "poor" was a description for our family...but I have NEVER thought rich was the word of choice either. That is until my mother-in-law said it. When she said I was rich in things that matter, I suddenly felt like the most wealthy person to have ever lived on planet Earth. Seriously. I was choking back tears so I would not look like a total mess in front of my mother-in-law. I have two fabulous boys to live my life with, accompanied by my knowledge of the Gospel, more than just a roof over my head, and probably a little too much to eat, especially when it comes to BlueBell ice cream.

A few days ago I had another choking back tears moment when I again realized just how rich I truly am. It had been a pretty long day. Corbin was taking his classic 7 minute naps, I hadn't showered, dinner was late getting started and then we ate it cold because when it was finally done we were too busy to eat, and I was tired and wanted to go to bed.  As I sat eating my last bites of cold food while simultaneously feeding Corbin, who was naked and covered in oatmeal, Sean pulled out his guitar and started to play a song called "Beautiful Mess" by Jason Mraz. First, Sean playing guitar can make anything better. But second, that song was just so fitting for the moment. The house looked like a bomb had gone off inside with toys, burp clothes, laundry, blankets, dishes, and shoes scattered everywhere (how my immobile 6 month old creates such a mess is beyond me??). I was covered in spit up and slobber, and possibly baby pee, and the few strands of hair I have left (I'm balding due to baby hormones--it's called telogen effluvium) were a complete mess. As I sat there and fed Corbin and listed to Sean play this song, I looked around and thought this truly was a beautiful mess. I wished I could just freeze time and live in that perfectly happy moment for the rest of my life. I felt so wealthy looking at Sean and Corbin, both smiling and so content. I saw all the toys laying everywhere and thought about how even though the day had been long, we had had a lot of fun and laughed a lot playing with all the toys and blankets and everything else. I was suddenly proud of my disastrous house and appearance.

And now, because I know everybody wants to see...here are some adorable pictures of my cute little family :)

Corbin now eats with the big kids. Unfortunately he now hates the bumbo and the high chair has still not arrived.  

This boy LOVES to see himself. (this is a reflection in the mirror) 

Not usually a fan of the "selfie" but I had to document that this is Corbin's favorite way to eat...with his foot in my face.  

We all love when Grandpa comes to town :)

What a stud!!! Corbin looks pretty cute too, I guess. haha

We have a sitter! 

He has learned that some part of the giraffe (aka Mr. Puzzles) goes in his mouth, he just quite hasn't figured out which part. 

I would say he's just a bit too small for dad's bike.  

yes. he is adorable. I'm aware. 

It's hard to get a picture of him sleeping, because it doesn't happen very often. But when it does, his feet are usually straight up in the air. 

Apparently he likes the taste of his toe jam and lint filled toes. 

Happy Halloween! Love, the farmer, the pig, and the cow. (I totally should have been the cow, I'm the one with all the milk!)