On Being a Mother and Staying Home

About a month ago, a friend asked me if I ever wanted to work again someday.  

She asked me if I enjoyed being a stay-at-home mom.  

I immediately answered yes. I love staying home with my two adorable children.  

But then I started thinking about it.  Quite a lot actually.

Even though it was always my plan, I wondered if I ever took advantage of that plan.

For me, it is both a choice and a blessing.  And I understand that it may not be the same for others.

There are days when I'm busy with church stuff, phone calls, bill paying, cleaning or other mundane tasks. 

Those are the days when I let the television babysit Kathryn.  Or, I let her babysit herself.

There are days when I spend too much time doing busy work.  Things that don't matter much in the end.

There are times when I go to bed at night with regrets.
I regret not doing the more important things with my day that really matter.  

The things that build our family eternally.  Did I read to Kathryn enough?  Did I rock Maxwell enough?  

Did I play with them enough?  Did I teach them enough?

My little Kathryn will be heading off to school in a few years.  And lately, I've felt this urgency. 

I have limited time when she will be completely under my influence.  

I have limited time to teach her the most important things.  

To show her how much I love her.  To make sure she knows I am here for her.  

To comfort and protect her.  To provide her with a safe haven that she can come home to.

So yes, I love staying home with my children.
But more importantly, I consider motherhood a great privilege. 

And I hope to take full advantage of this opportunity and precious gift.
Because I know it will go by all too fast.  And I don't want to live with regrets.

 

Spreading the Love

We spent the morning making Valentines...

Quote of the day by Kathryn:  Mommy, you'll be sooo happy.  You'll never believe your eyes.  We'll hide it (the Valentine she was currently making) under the couch and then you'll say FANTASTIC!

Weekend Review

1.  We held our last seminary breakfast at our home on Friday.  Michael was called to teach early morning seminary to the high school seniors, and we've been feeding them once a month.  But, he received a new calling (executive secretary) a few weeks ago...and there was absolutely no way he could do both.  He loved teaching those kids and they loved him.  He was sad to say goodbye.

2.  Kathryn and I made Chocolate Dipped Heart Treats for Michael's staff (minus the sticks this year).

3.  We had a family movie night on Friday:  homemade guacamole bacon burgers, fries and rice crispy treats while watching Nanny McPhee Returns.  It was a good evening.

4.  Michael and I worked some more on our dining room.  It's pretty much finished, except for the windows.  The entire look of the room has completely changed and we can't wait to finish it up.  

5.  While driving home from basketball Saturday morning, Michael called into an AM radio show and won a gift certificate to Arctic Circle.  He didn't even know what he'd won until they took his information, but free food is free food?  Right?  So Arctic Circle for dinner on Saturday night. 

6.  We (mainly Michael) watched the Superbowl, and we (mainly Michael) were happy with the final score.

7.  My cute and adorable children wearing their striped pajamas!  Love that Max is holding Kat's leg.

 

A Healthy Check-up

With Maxwell, I'm always grateful to hear good news from a doctor.

There was a time, when we didn't know if we'd ever hear good news.

 

On another note, going to the pediatrician is not my favorite pastime.

Let me rephrase...going there and getting there is something I dread (to some degree).

But when we're actually there, I can breath a sigh of relief (We're usually running ten minutes behind).

But our pediatrician is wonderful.  He takes the time to answer all of my questions.  

I usually come with quite a list.  He never seems rushed and he always gives great, descriptive answers.

He is always kind and loves to tease Kathryn.  And he was also Michael's pediatrician growing up.

 Which sadly means, he won't be around forever.

It was a healthy six month check-up for our baby boy (followed by some very tearful immunizations):

Height:  26 inches

Weight:  15 pounds 8 ounces

Head Circumference: 43.8 centimeters

Unloading/Decorating

Kathryn unloaded (nearly) all of the toys from her closet.
She also unloaded (almost) all of the books from her bookshelf.
I can't remember exactly what she told me she was doing with all those toys and books.
She was probably decorating or something...

Making Goals

I've been thinking a lot about goals this entire month.
I started this thought process when I saw my 2011 list, looking forlornly, in the craft closet.
It was the end of December, and I was disappointed I hadn't accomplished many things on that list.
We did buy a house and we did have a baby though (on my list).

But I hope to do better this year.  I have fasted and prayed a lot this month.
I have been thinking about the things I want to do differently.
And (a big) part of the reason I want this year to be different, is because of my family.
Because of my children and my husband.



I want to be a better mother and wife.  I want to be more understanding.
I've been thinking about the person I am now, and the person I want to become.
I am a good person, but I also know I can be better.
I want to be more present.  I want to be more deliberate with my daily decisions.
I want to be more deliberate in how I spend my day and my precious time.
More deliberate in what I do.  In how I teach my daughter and how I treat my husband.

I want to be more patient and loving.  I want to be less critical.  And I hope to have more charity.
"Perhaps the greatest charity comes when we are kind to each other, when we don't judge or categorize someone else, when we simply give each other the benefit of the doubt or remain quiet.  Charity is accepting someone's differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings; having patience with someone who has let us down...Charity is expecting the best of each other."   ~Elder Marvin J. Ashton (Quote from February Ensign)

I love my family so much and want to be the best I can be for them.
I want to cheer them on through their trials and struggles.
I love my Father in Heaven who has given me this great gift of life.
And I hope to live my life in such a way that I can be an instrument in his hands.

Some other goals for 2012:
1. Pray and read the scriptures every day
2.  Attend the temple regularly
3. Have a date night every week
4.  Play with Kathryn every day
5.  Make a schedule, but be more spontaneous
6.  Finish decorating the kid's bedrooms
7. Work on baby books for Kat and Max
8.  Finish Michael's mission book

Reading with Grandpa

It is such a treat to read books with Grandpa.
He tells the greatest stories and uses the best voices (ie- the "Skippy John Jone's" voice).
He is nice to snuggle with and is always willing to read just one more book.
He only requires a great big bear hug in return.
We consider ourselves lucky to live so close to Grandparents for sweet moments like this.