BFF

I came downstairs this morning to find this:

Nicci had poured her cereal and was reading Bella a story. (out of a cookbook) When i asked her, "Nicci, what are you doing?" She responded with, "Taking care of my best friend mommy." I almost cried.

They Say "Brunette's Have More Fun"...

so i thought i'd give it a try!

"Mommy Wow! I'm a Big Kid Now!"

Around the Ras household these days, two major accomplishments have been made that i feel worthy of mentioning. The first one being: our adorable Nicci is finally potty trained!! She loves her "pee pee in the potty dance" and had only 3 accidents during her 'training period', you might call it. Seth woke up one day and said, "No more diapers! You're a big girl now." I wondered if she was ready but he insisted that she was, and he couldn't have been more right! We are SO proud of her and her determination to learn! Congrats Nicci!!

The second thing has to do with me. :) Many of you know i quit my job at Outback. It was one of the best decisions i have ever made. Lately i have really embraced being a wife and mother and know that that's the most important thing in my life now, and forever...and i want to be good at it! I want to raise Heavenly Father's children to be the best they can be and to support my husband in every way...including yes, even the bane of my existence, cooking. So today, March 8 2009, i made dinner, on my own, for my family for the first time in almost 4 years of marriage. It was the most incredible feeling...the food ended up cold and it didn't look too appetizing, but it was made with love and the two most beautiful people in my life were so grateful and supportive. Some people would probably be embarrassed to admit the first time they had ever cooked for their family was almost 4 years into their marriage, but i'm not. I've fought it for so long, and now as i've made the small decision to cook for my family i've been blessed with the strength to learn how to cook and enjoy it. I'm going to fail sometimes in the cooking area, i know that. But i know i wont fail in helping my family come closer together and making my husband smile with each and every meal. :) It will only make me stronger, my family happier, and in the end, someday, i'll know how to cook and be good at it! I've watched my mother cook meals for my dad almost all my life, and when i hear my dad talk about how special something as simple as dinner was to him, and see the joy it brought my mom just by serving my father and her children every day and night with simple meals, it makes me want to give my family the love and unity she provided me with while growing up. So i'm doing it. I'm cooking meals for my lovely family everyday, and i'm so excited to do so! Nothing is more gratifying than seeing the smiles on their faces...and knowing that i helped put them there. :)

Mac n Cheese, Broccoli, Carrots, and Grilled Cheese sandwiches with marinara sauce. (Nicci calls them 'Pizza Sandwhichs') It's a start!!
The two beautiful people who make my world go round.