Mother's Day

I always knew that I would be a mom. As a little girl and as a teenager, I daydreamed of baby names and of having a big family. It was never a question of "if", but "when"- motherhood was always in the picture. Well, 18 months ago my motherhood journey began, and it has been the best, hardest, most exhausting, most joyous thing I have ever done.

I consider my boys- my hubby and my baby boy- my two loves. I had no way of knowing that having a baby boy would change me! My love, respect, and appreciation for manhood has increased tenfold. I can't think of many things more precious and endearing than a little boy loving his mommy. ♡ I pray that my bubby will always consider himself a Mama's boy.... I hope with all my heart that he always wants to talk, play, read, laugh, and snuggle with his Mama. And I hope that I can help him see, throughout his life, that my heart melts into a little puddle every time he says "Mommy".

This Mother's Day was a special one. Bubby had been sick, so he and I had to stay home from church. Brian gave a talk in sacrament meeting- the third time he has been assigned to speak on Mother's Day! I was sad to miss it, but he gave it to me later. :) I felt like a queen the whole day as Brian gave me sweet gifts and yummy treats, cooked dinner, and watched one of my favorite shows with me (Boy Meets World :). I think my favorite thing that day was the card Brian and Bubby gave me... They both "wrote" a little message for me. It was a beautiful day!

Of course I can't forget to mention the mother who gave me life. I am so grateful for the relationship my mom and I have. I really do consider her one of my best and closest friends! Isn't that something every daughter wishes for??? She is an example of strength, intelligence, perseverance, hard work, laughter, and selfless service. I'm so glad I get to be her daughter!

I had the privilege of speaking with my two grandmothers over the weekend. I also consider both of them mothers in my life. I would not be who I am today without their influence! On Mother's Day, I tried to keep in my heart another special mother: my great-grandma Necia, who passed away on Mother's Day 2013. She is greatly missed and remembered as the mother of our family.

<3 Tycie

The day I became a mother

Graduation

Brian is now a graduate of Brigham Young University!!! I'm two weeks behind, but here's the story!

Brian came to BYU right out of high school in 2008. He completed one whole school year (two semesters) and then took a break to attend a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He served in the Tulsa, Oklahoma mission for 2 years, and then came home in 2011. Six months later, he met me! (But that's a story in a different post, coming soon!) After one more semester post-mission, Brian applied for the mechanical engineering program at BYU- and got accepted! The following years were filled with intense engineering classes, an engagement, a wedding, and a baby. If you ask me, Brian is Superman.

Not only did Brian complete the mechanical engineering program at BYU, he also was accepted into their Master's program for mechanical engineering. He declined their offer however, because before he heard back from BYU, he found out he got into the University of Washington's aerospace engineering program (MS)!!! Working in the field of aerospace is Brian's dream. And... moving back to our home state of Washington has been our dream! I also should mention that Brian got accepted into Purdue's graduate school as well- not for aerospace, but for an engineering management program. But UW is the place we felt led to accept, and we are so excited!

Brian isn't one to brag about his achievements. But since I'm his wife and his biggest fan, I get to brag about him. :) Brian is an amazing man. He works so hard and has big dreams. He wants to do what is best for his family. I hope he realizes how tremendous of an accomplishment it is to graduate from a prestigious university like BYU, in an intense major, especially being a very involved husband and father. I would not be who I am today without this man. He has made me the happiest wife and mommy, and he has made my education journey possible. Just to give an idea... Brian cooks most of the meals around here. I hardly have to lift a finger when he comes home, so that I can focus on my schoolwork and on snuggling/playing with my baby. I say it again: this man is amazing!!!

One more thing about Brian's schooling. Throughout his senior year he has been part of a competition team (for his senior project) that has designed a Mars rover. Brian is one of the team leaders, having proven himself as a dependable, hard working member of the group.

It feels so good to be moving on to the next phase of life. I am so grateful that Brian has a college degree. In December, it will be my turn to have one! :) We have been waiting for this for a long time, and it's finally here! I hope our children treasure the fact that their father worked so hard to complete his education because he wants to provide for them and help them have secure lives.